Greece outlines priorities for upcoming UN Security Council presidency

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis has outlined Athens’ priorities ahead of its upcoming presidency of the United Nations Security Council, scheduled for October 2026. During discussions at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Gerapetritis emphasized Greece’s commitment to international law, the UN Charter, and effective multilateralism.

A key focus for the presidency will be promoting consultation, consensus, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The term is expected to coincide with the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General and the addressing of major regional crises, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East. Gerapetritis also noted that the Cyprus issue will remain a prominent priority for Greek diplomacy.

Regarding institutional reform, Greece supports the UN80 initiative to modernize the Security Council’s composition to better reflect the 21st-century world, specifically advocating for increased representation from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Greece also expressed support for India’s permanent representation on the Council and argued that the veto power should be used with restraint, particularly in instances involving war crimes or crimes against humanity.