In an increasingly polarised world, with intractable and protracted crises and conflicts posing serious obstacles to peace and development, the UN Security Council struggles to meet its primary responsibility for maintenance of international peace and security. While composed of five permanent members with veto right, alongside 10 countries elected for two-year terms, all UN Member States are obliged to comply with the Council’s decisions. Given its composition and the current geopolitical landscape, what can we expect the Council to achieve and what could influence its effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate? What tools can and will the Council use to find solutions to the crises currently on its agenda, including those in Syria, Myanmar and Venezuela?
In this seminar, two experts with first-hand experience of the work of the Council shared their insights into its way of operating. They discussed trends and priorities within the work of the Council; what issues are dealt with most successfully, comparing thematic processes with conflict-specific efforts; and where there are entry-points for civil society to engage.
