Joint Nordic Statement by H.E. Ms. Elina Kalkku, Permanent Representative,
Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations,
Security Council veto reform
14 April 2026

 

Co-chairs,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland. 

We thank you, Co-chairs, for your continuing, excellent leadership in guiding our work towards a reformed Security Council. 

In the Pact for the Future, we agreed to support credible, timely and decisive action by the Security Council, in exercise of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, which it does on our behalf as stated in the charter.

We are all aware of the reasons why the veto became part of the UN Charter. But it is also a fact that, far too often, the misuse of veto prevents the Council from acting, even in the most devastating conflict situations around the world or in early efforts to prevent them. As recently as last week, we witnessed the use of veto blocking the adoption of a draft resolution that addressed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Without going into the details, we noted that the situation it sought to address has wide-spread global consequences as we speak. 

Co-chairs,

The veto should not stand in the way when decisive action is needed to maintain international peace and security. The Nordic countries maintain that the reform of the Security Council should result in less veto, not more. Following this objective, the Nordic countries have consistently supported initiatives aimed at limiting the use of the veto, just as we continue to support furthering our considerations on how to limit the scope of the veto now.

To ensure that the veto does not hinder the Council from taking action in the face of atrocities, we have signed the ACT Code of Conduct and support the French-Mexican Declaration on suspension of veto powers in cases of mass atrocities. We continue to urge all members, particularly permanent members to join us.

The Nordic countries also advocate for transparency and accountability when the veto is used. We strongly support the veto initiative, which allows the broader UN membership to understand the reasonings behind the use of veto, and to have a dialogue on the issues covered in the vetoed resolution. 

In the Pact for the Future, we unanimously agreed to enhance ways in which the General Assembly can contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security, in particular by taking action in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. The Nordic countries are supportive of strengthening the role of the Assembly and remain committed to explore new ways of doing so, especially in situations where the Council is unable to act.

The Nordics continue to call for the full implementation and adherence to all provisions of the Charter, including ensuring the consistent application of article 27 (3). It is imperative that the members of the Security Council themselves abide by the UN Charter, including their obligation to abstain from voting on decisions falling within article 27 (3) and in which they are a party to the dispute. In this spirit we welcome initiatives that bring attention to this obligation. 

Co-chairs,

It is important to consider the ways the veto has been used in the past and continue the efforts to limit its use now. But it is equally important to address through this IGN process how veto may affect the future work of an enlarged Council. 

As in the past, the Nordic countries support expanding the membership of the Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories. We also remain open to all ideas that can break the current impasse and lead to finding a middle ground. While we hear the aspiration of some to exercise equal rights as the current permanent members, we are concerned that this would result in further paralysis of the Council and we stress the need to rethink the veto as it currently stands. We have heard over the years of the IGN process many ideas in this regard. And are ready to discuss the practicalities that would be involved in these options.

Dear colleagues,

By now we know where we all stand and what the positions are. Continuing like this will not lead to a change. In addition to new ideas, we should also be able to discuss spaces for compromise, for the benefit of the whole membership. Otherwise the reform will not take place at all.

The Nordic countries emphasize that permanent membership in the Security Council is a responsibility, not a prerogative. We encourage reimagining the decision-making in the enlarged Council. Not on the basis of prerogatives, but rather based on our collective desire to have a UN Security Council that is capable to take credible, timely and decisive action when international peace and security are threatened. 

I thank you.