UNSC Open Debate on the Working Methods of the Security Council
Statement delivered by H.E Mr. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the United Nations
New York, 14 November 2025
Thank you, President
I welcome today´s timely discussion on the working methods of the Security Council. I thank the briefers for their contributions and commend Denmark and Pakistan for taking stewardship of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions.
Estonia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by Switzerland on behalf of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group (ACT).
Estonia considers it crucial to keep updating Note 507, and would like to raise some key elements that we deem necessary to enhance the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the Security Council.
First: Ending and preventing genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes are the key responsibilities of the Security Council. Unfortunately, on several occasions the Security Council has failed to live up to this task. A large contributor to the inaction of the Security Council has been the misuse of the right to veto. Estonia insists on refraining from voting against resolutions aimed at ending mass atrocities, including the crime of aggression. We also reiterate our call for the full application of Article 27 (3), of the Charter and its obligatory provision to abstain in cases where members themselves are a party to a dispute. There is still no mention of this obligation in Note 507. We believe it should be reflected there.
Second: We call for enhanced transparency and inclusivity in the selection process of the Secretary-General. While the General Assembly Revitalization resolution lays out a broad timeline for the process, we need a clearer indication of when key decisions are made in the Council as well as a deadline for the Security Council recommendation to the General Assembly. The Assembly should not be rushed with the appointment. Equally, the next Secretary General needs sufficient time to prepare for the office. We also recommend that the Security Council nominate more than one candidate. This would enhance the complementary roles assigned to both forums in the Charter.
Third: We oppose the use of the Council’s platform to promote colonialist and malicious goals and to spread lies in support of wars of aggression. This is contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and undermines the credibility of the Council, which is supposed to stand for a values-based world.
Lastly: we encourage to continue and strengthen the practice of inviting relevant and competent civil society briefers, including women and youth representatives, to help enrich the Council’s discussions.
Chair,
An effective and accountable Security Council, that is able to solve conflicts, build consensus and take action, is an absolute requirement. I trust that the Council will work to implement improvements presented today on their working methods.