United Nations Security Council - Open Debate on the Working Methods of the Security Council

New York, 14 November 2025

Statement by H.E. Mr. Olivier Maes

Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg

on behalf of the Benelux countries (Belgium, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Luxembourg)

Mr. President,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Benelux countries – Belgium, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and my own country, Luxembourg. We align ourselves with the statement to be made by Switzerland on behalf of the ACT Group.

We thank Sierra Leone for convening this open debate. We express our gratitude also to the Co-Chairs of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, Denmark and Pakistan, and to Ms Loraine Sievers and Ms Shamala Kandiah Thompson for their valuable inputs.

The Benelux countries believe that improving the working methods of the Security Council is key to fostering its transparency, accountability, and effectiveness. We deeply regret that the Council often finds itself in a deadlock which prevents it from fully executing its mandate. This failure to act has often devastating consequences for civilians affected by conflict.

Mr. President,

The Benelux countries would like to make three points:

1.      First: the use of the veto and the threat of use of the veto overshadow the Council’s working methods and are at the root of the Council’s paralysis. We therefore support initiatives to limit the use of the veto, such as the proposal made by France and Mexico and the Code of Conduct developed by the ACT Group. We also believe that all members of the Council must adhere to article 27.3 of the UN Charter. We encourage adding new language in Note 507 on the inclusion of a dedicated section on the use of the veto in the Council’s annual report.

2.      Second: The significant delay in appointing Chairs and Co-Chairs of subsidiary bodies of the Council for 2025 has had a negative impact on the work of the Council, including with regard to the protection of children in armed conflict and the implementation of the sanctions regimes created by the Council, which are of interest to the entire membership. We encourage Council members to find effective ways to ensure the timely appointment of Chairs of its subsidiary bodies in the future.

3.      Third: As we prepare for the selection and appointment of the next Secretary-General in 2026, we emphasize the importance of ensuring transparency and inclusivity throughout this process. It is essential that the process be conducted in full accordance with General Assembly resolution 79/327, building on the good practices established in 2015 and 2016. Enhancing transparency in the Council’s deliberations and reinforcing the role of the General Assembly are key.

Mr. President,

The Benelux countries remain firmly committed to supporting the improvement of the working methods of the Security Council. It is in the interest of us all that the Council can fulfill effectively its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, acting on behalf of all of us.

Thank you.