Conference Paper/Report

The 2011 GIBSA Conference on the United Nations Security Council

“A core topic of GIBSA and an area for cooperation is UNSC reform. GIBSA demands
more transparency, more legitimacy and a UNSC that reflects the countries’ role in
the international system. The year 2011 opens a special window of opportunity for a new reform approach since Germany, India, Brazil and South Africa (GIBSA), all heavyweights in their respective regions, are all non-permanent members of the UNSC. This year is GIBSA’s chance to form a common agenda and to initiate a reform of the Council. Above all, GIBSA need to show that they can contribute to the effectiveness and
legitimacy of the UNSC. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the most respected institution in global security governance. It consists of five permanent members, the P5, which are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. In addition, it has ten non-permanent members that are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.”