Statement by Ambassador Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Open Debate on Working Methods (Implementation of Note S/2017/507) (February 06, 2018)

Mr. President,

Let me begin by congratulating you on assuming the Presidency of the Council.

My delegation also welcomes Kuwait's assumption of the Chair of the Informal Working Group of the Council on Documentation and other Procedural Questions.

Mr. President,

We all acknowledge that to respond to the increasingly complex and overlapping challenges to global peace and security, this Council must become more accountable, inclusive, transparent and effective - an imperative that demands continued improvement in its working methods.

Presidential Note S/2017/507 of August 2017 addresses the Council practice in a holistic manner. Our focus should remain on the effective and consistent implementation of the measures identified in this Note.

In this regard, I would like to highlight four key points:

Mr. President,

During Pakistan's last term in the Council just a few years ago we re-introduced wrap-up sessions, which have now become a norm. Pakistan also made specific proposals on enhancing intra-Council communication and organized Arria Formula meetings. These steps were taken to augment openness and transparency in the Council's working.

We have not been alone in this endeavour. Over the years, elected members of the Council have led the charge in bringing improvements to its working methods.

There is in fact, an inextricable link between the nature of membership of the Council and the need felt to make the Council more open and transparent. This link is called 'Accountability'.

The best way to enhance the democratic and representative character of the Council is therefore to reinforce this norm of accountability, and not to support any actions that threaten to undermine or reverse these ideals.

I thank you.