The Quad nations, India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, on Saturday unanimously affirmed their support for reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) through both permanent and non-permanent membership expansions during the Leaders’ Summit.
In the ‘Wilmington Declaration,’ they highlighted the urgent need to enhance the UNSC’s representativeness, inclusivity, transparency, efficiency, effectiveness, democracy, and accountability. The leaders agreed that any expansion should ensure representation for Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
“Together, with our global and regional partners, we continue to support international institutions and initiatives that underpin global peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the UN Charter and the three pillars of the UN system,” the declaration stated.
The Quad nations pledged to collaborate with partners to address attempts that undermine the integrity of the UN and its Charter. The declaration specifically emphasized the need for reforms to make the UNSC more effective and accountable, urging the inclusion of diverse representation in a reformed council.
Earlier, US President Joe Biden reiterated support for India’s bid for permanent membership in the reformed UNSC during his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “President Biden conveyed that the United States supports initiatives to reform global institutions to better reflect India’s significant voice,” according to a joint fact sheet released by the White House.
The summit served as a farewell gathering for President Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, both of whom will be stepping down from their respective offices. The Quad is a diplomatic partnership among Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, with this summit being the fourth in-person and sixth overall.
In their declaration, the Quad nations also expressed strong condemnation of terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, reaffirming their commitment to international cooperation. They specifically denounced the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and the 2016 attacks in Pathankot.
“We are committed to international cooperation and will work with our regional partners in a comprehensive manner to enhance their ability to prevent, detect, and respond to threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism,” the statement read.
The Quad countries condemned North Korea’s “destabilizing ballistic missile launches,” citing them as a “grave threat” to international peace. They urged Pyongyang to adhere to its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions and to engage in meaningful dialogue.
The leaders also expressed concern over the deteriorating political, security, and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine State, calling for an immediate end to violence and the release of unjustly detained individuals. “We remain deeply concerned by the escalating crisis in Myanmar and urge a return to inclusive democracy through constructive dialogue among all stakeholders,” the declaration added.