UN Security Council Welcomes Five New Non-Permanent Members for 2026–2027 | United Nations

The Security Council welcomed Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia and Liberia as the five new non-permanent members for the 2026 -2027 period.

The flags of the five newly elected members of the United Nations Security Council — Latvia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Bahrain, and Colombia – were officially installed today (02 Jan).

Latvia joins the Council for the first time.

Addressing the ceremonial flag-raising, Jamal Fares Al Ruwaiei, Bahraini Permanent Representative said that his country “commit to ensuring peaceful resolution of conflicts, and in particular to the Palestinian cause, our top priority during our membership. We shall strive toward ensuring the legitimate right of Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, as the key to opening a new chapter for regional security, stability, and prosperity.”

Colombian Ambassador Leonor Zalabata Torres, said, “This event holds special significance for my country as I am the first indigenous woman to represent it before this body, I assume this responsibility with my people, the people of Colombia, the Arhuaco people and the indigenous peoples of the world as an expression of the commitment of President Gustavo Petro’s government to a more inclusive and representative Colombia and United Nations, where diversity constitutes a genuine force for equality.”

Noëlla Ayeganagato Nakwipone, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said, “With regard to peace and security, we will actively contribute to discussions on the future of United Nations peacekeeping operations. As a host country for more than two decades to one of the largest peacekeeping missions, the DRC has acquired concrete experience of both the challenges and limitations of these instruments.”

Latvian Ambassador Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes said, “Our presence in the Security Council reflects a long journey from hardship to prosperity, from aspiration to active contribution. Latvia joins this Council as a committed partner, ready to listen and to act in good faith. We believe that responsible engagement by countries big or small strengthens global peace and security.”

Lewis Garseedah Brown II, Liberian Permanent Representative said, “Libera comes to the Security Council guided by experience and anchored in the United Nations Charter. We come committed to diplomacy because we have lived the cost of its absence. We come determined to build bridges, encourage consensus, and contribute constructively to a safer world.”

The ceremonial flag-raising, introduced in 2018 at the initiative of Kazakhstan, marks the start of each country’s two-year term. Before that, the flags of the non-permanent members of the Council were installed and replaced in the normal course of work by the Protocol.