The priorities of Spain in the United Nations Security Council

On May 28th, INCIPE hosted a Working Breakfast titled The Priorities of Spain in the UN Security Council, headlined by the presence of D. Javier García de Viedma, United Nations Subdirector-General for the General Directorate of the United Nations and Human Rights of MAEC. García de Viedma offered a general vision of the themes that Spain will emphasize as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in its two year membership from 2015-2016.

In a period in which different, highly relevant crises are happening simultaneously, Spain is postured to be a defining actor in the process of finding solutions for these problems. For this reason the forum of the United Nations will be the stage for the projection of Spain’s image at the international level, where it can demonstrate its leadership, commitment, and preparation in the promotion of multilateralism and in its fight to achieve peace and security.

One of the principal themes that Spain will approach in the Security Council is that of preventative diplomacy, which seeks to check the development of strife and addresses the roots of conflict. Thus, Spain will play an important role in mediation, which has been evidenced by the launch of an initiative, in concert with Morocco, in order to promote the use of mediation in the Mediterranean. Likewise, in the tenth anniversary of the birth of the concept of “responsibility to protect,” which will be celebrated in June 2015, Spain plans to hold a summit to discuss its own capabilities and the influence of non-state actors in this area.

As regards the current international situation, the fight against terrorism is one of the other key objectives for Spain in the UN Security Council, a question with which Spain is well versed, and besides, is already a central pillar of Spanish domestic and foreign policy. In this sense, Span knows how to address this phenomenon based on its commitment to the rule of law, giving a voice to victims and dismantling the terrorist discourse; fundamental issues at the core of the planned conference for the UN Anti-Terrorist Committee, which will be hosted by Spain.

Spain will also take up another task in its two year stint on the Security Council, the task of revising the UN framework for building peace and security so that these outcomes may be more effectively achieved. Thus, Spain will move to examine the Operations for Maintaining the Peace, the Commission for the Consolidation of Peace, and the Resolution 1325 (2000), whose revision and renovation on the 15th anniversary of its passing coincides with the moment that the rotating Presidency of the UN Security Council will be assumed by Spain, beginning in October 2015.

Concerning the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), and disarmament, the Security Council has placed its confidence in Spain, having granted it the Presidency of the three committees related to the issue. They are: Committee 1737 regarding the sanctions on Iran, which will become particularly relevant if in June a nuclear accord is reached with that country; Committee 1718 regarding the sanctions on North Korea; and Committee 1540 regarding the proliferation of WMDs and their potential use by non-state actors or terrorists.

Lastly, within these policy areas in which Spain will begin to work as a non-permanent member of the Security Council there are new challenges, such as cyber security, which is considered a threat but has been difficult address as such. Climate change also factors into these security objectives, although some UN member states believe it to be outside the mandate of the Security Council, considering climate change to pose little threat to peace and security.

Amongst the principle issues facing the United Nations in the coming months, the most immediate issue is the passing of a UN resolution on the Nepal earthquake, and in the long term, pursuing an agenda that promotes development in 2015 and beyond. Also relevant is the October celebration of the 70th anniversary of the birth of the United Nations, along with the 60th anniversary of Spain’s membership in the organization. Also meriting mention is Spain’s commitment to the task of revising the UN’s standards and practices, so that the Security Council can achieve better transparency and accountability. The promotion of public diplomacy and the use of media will be the starting point to communicate with the public, so that people are aware of the UN’s work and can knowledgably display criticism or satisfaction as regards decisions taken by the UN.

Spain should continue promoting the good principles that were defended during its campaign to become a non-permanent member of the Security Council. Going forward, it should confront limitations with a strong political will, and it should strengthen its international profile through active participation in multilateral organizations.

The Working Breakfast closed with comments from several staffers, offering several reflections on the trafficking of immigrants in the Mediterranean Sea, the structure of the Security Council and the representation of its permanent members, as well as the support Spain can lend to initiatives regarding cyber security and cyber defense.

Sara Díaz
INCIPE

Programme. Spain Non-Permanent member of the United Nations Security Council