Greece took control of the rotational presidency of the UN Security Council from France on Thursday for May.
Greece’s UN envoy, Evangelos Sekeris said at a news conference that the focus will be on maritime security and the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
Sekeris noted that the “signature event” is to be held May 20 and “it will be an open debate on maritime security under the agenda mentors of the national peace and security.”
“This high-level event will be chaired by His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis,” said Sekeris.
He noted that other meetings will focus on Lebanon, Libya, Syria and Yemen, while prioritizing de-escalation in the India-Pakistan conflict.
The situation in Gaza will also be addressed during the monthly meeting, as Sekeris announced additional meetings may take place depending on developments.
Sekeris also announced that the semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina is expected May 6.
“We are following a principle for policy, which means we hear all views on the table and no surprises policy. Because we understood from first four months in the Council that it is better to consult in advance, instead of facing other Council members with situations which might cause surprise,” he added.
In a statement, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that during its monthly Presidency, “Greece will have the opportunity to showcase its strong diplomatic footprint, its role as an honest interlocutor, and as a bridge between East and West, North and South, with international law and the United Nations Charter guiding its foreign policy.”
It added: “During its Presidency, Greece, an advocate for multilateral diplomacy, collective security, and the United Nations peacekeeping role, will collaborate with all Security Council member states to maintain and consolidate international peace and security, aiming towards a rules-based international security architecture.”
Topics of the Greek Presidency will also include the protection of civilians in times of war, “Women, Peace and Security” and “Children and Armed Conflict”.
The election of Greece as a non-permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2025-2026 is a truly significant moment in the nation’s diplomatic history.
With the support of a staggering 182 countries, Greece assumed its seat at the dawn of 2025 at a very important and critical time in global affairs, with nationalism on the rise and regional conflicts and wars still ravaging Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
This is Greece’s third tenure on the Council, following two-year terms in the distant 1952-1953 and again in 2005-2006.
The Security Council presidency will pass from Greece to Guyana in June.
Related: How Can Greece Use its UN Security Council Seat Wisely
