In its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2025-2026, the Royal Embassy of Denmark in South Africa and ACCORD hosted a seminar that focused on the campaign’s priorities of Equality, Security and Action. The seminar was held on 04 June 2024 at Freedom Park alongside an exhibition of Denmark’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle. H.E. Ambassador Elsebeth Sondergaard Krone’s opening remarks highlighted Denmark’s candidature as an extension of its strong support and longstanding commitment to the UN and international cooperation.
Prioritising international law and a more representative Security Council and identifying conflict responses and prevention fit for new realities are key themes for Denmark, which served as foundation topics for the seminar. ACCORD’s Executive Director, Dr Vasu Gounden moderated the discussions, where Prof Jo Ansie van Wyk, UNISA’s Research Professor in International Relations, together with Mozambique’s Ambassador to South Africa, H.E Maria Manuela Dos Santos Lucas responded on how to advocate for a more accountable and representative UNSC, particularly for African countries and the need for a robust Africa group in New York. The discussions centred on the current global crises where multilateralism is being challenged as well as the evolution of the global arrangement in light of these crises.
Climate, Peace and Security (CPS) and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) are also priority areas for the Danish candidature. Ambassador Krone reflected on the relevance of CPS and the need for climate rehabilitation. Ms Pravina Makan-Lakha, ACCORD’s WPS Advisor shared practical ways in which the WPS agenda can be better supported and the importance of more pressure by member states for increased accountability on UN Resolution 1325.
The seminar was attended by the representatives of the diplomatic core, CSOs, academia and UN agencies, with valuable inputs and contributions from representatives of the African diplomatic core in terms of priority themes identified by Denmark for UNSC 2025/2026.
