In May 2020, WFUNA hosted two virtual United Nations Security Council Elections Debates with candidates from regional groups competing for non-permanent seats for the 2021-2022 term.
On May 27th, WFUNA held a debate with the African Group featuring candidates Djibouti and Kenya. The candidate countries were represented by the Permanent Representatives of both Missions to the UN, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Siad Doualeh of Djibouti and H.E. Mr. Lazarus Ombai Amayo of Kenya.
On May 29th, WFUNA held the second debate with the Western European and Others Group featuring candidates Canada, Ireland, and Norway. The candidate countries were represented by the Permanent Representatives of all three Missions to the UN, H.E. Mr. Marc-André Blanchard of Canada, H.E. Ms. Geraldine Byrne Nason of Ireland, and H.E. Ms. Mona Juul of Norway.
The UNSC Election Debates were held online and were attended by over 110 Permanent Missions (Member States and Observer States) and over 60 CSOs. The virtual events were also broadcast on UN Web TV for wider viewing.
The moderators of the debates were WFUNA Secretary-General Mr. Bonian Golmohammadi and WFUNA Peace and Security Officer Mr. Pablo Angulo-Troconis. The two UNSC 2020 Election Debates featured interventions and questions from both Member States and Civil Society Organizations. The debates also received considerable attention online since they were promoted on social media with the hashtag #UNSCElections to allow for participation from a global audience and wider stakeholder engagement.
WFUNA is committed to continuing to host these debates and briefings and will maintain its role as convener and coordinator in this effort to advance openness, dialogue and transparency at the UNSC.
The inclusion of civil society from UNHQ, virtually and around the world further allows WFUNA to uphold its mandate in lessening the gap between the UN to the wider international community.
You can find a recording of both debates below.
