The Bahamas United Nations Security Council Candiditure

On 18th September 1973, The Bahamas joined the United Nations, demonstrating its steadfast dedication to international cooperation and peaceful resolution of global challenges. This decisive step, taken just two months after becoming a sovereign state, underscored the country’s foundational belief in multilateralism and the core values of the UN, principles that have shaped The Bahamas for the past five decades.

The Bahamas’ pursuit of a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2032-2033, marks a significant new chapter in its global leadership. Guided by the theme “Peacebuilding, Sustaining Peace, and Climate Security: Resilience, Relationships, and Representation,” The Bahamas will offer the Council its distinct perspective and proven track record of actively engaging with critical global and regional concerns.

SIDS LEADERSHIP

Recognising the disproportionate impact of global challenges on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), The Bahamas will advocate for their enhanced leadership role in matters of peace and security. Within the Security Council, The Bahamas will work to ensure the Council fulfills its legal and moral obligations to uphold international law and safeguard the security of all states, including the most vulnerable. The Bahamas will promote a spirit of shared responsibility and accountability among Council members in addressing the complex security challenges facing SIDS and the wider international community.

AGENDA SETTING

The Bahamas will underscore the need for agenda-setting at the Security Council that represents all Member States and not just the interests of the permanent members. The Bahamas will be a voice for other SIDS, serving as the voice of the voiceless, bringing attention to the concerns of often-marginalised states like Haiti, ensuring that the concerns of the region remain on the agenda of the Council.

SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM

Firmly supporting comprehensive Security Council reform, The Bahamas believes in equitable geographical representation of permanent council members of the UNSC, to include Global South Representation and CARICOM representation, as well as a reassessment of the veto powers of permanent members.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND PEACE AND SECURITY

The Bahamas’ foremost foreign policy is climate justice. The nexus between climate change and security presents a threat not only to SIDS but also to international peace and security. We will promote and integrate climate change considerations into all aspects of the Security Council’s work, emphasizing the need for global cooperation and accountability in addressing this shared challenge.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND PEACE AND SECURITY

Lasting peace is intrinsically linked to the protection and promotion of human rights. The Bahamas will continue to promote the value proposition of human rights to peace and security relationship: human rights do have a positive impact on peace and security. The Bahamas will advocate for the proactive integration of human rights considerations, including the active review of vulnerability and resilience assessments, into all UNSC early warnings and early actions on conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms.

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN REGION AS A ZONE OF PEACE

The UNSC Council must support our region’s unique stance on peace and security and push back against the geopolitical and realpolitik stances of permanent members of the UNSC. This requires the active engagement and involvement of Latin America and the Caribbean on the Council and in other UN organs in the promotion of peace.

The Bahamas’ candidacy for the Security Council represents a powerful opportunity to advance these crucial objectives and contribute meaningfully to the UN’s vital mission of fostering peace, security, and sustainable development for all. Our journey from nascent independence to a contender for a seat on this esteemed body stands as a testament to our faith in the multilateral system and our belief that even the smallest states can be powerful forces for positive change on the global stage.

The Bahamas’ commitment to the UN’s core values has only deepened over the past five decades. Guided by the themes of Resilience, Relationships, and Representation, as depicted in the evocative artwork of the late Bahamian folk artist Amos Ferguson, The Bahamas seeks to bring a unique perspective to the Security Council:

Resilience: As a nation forged in the crucible of colonialism and tempered by the challenges of climate change, The Bahamas offers valuable insights into building resilience in the face of adversity.

Relationships: The Bahamas believes that meaningful progress on global issues requires building bridges of understanding and cooperation across geographical and ideological divides.

Representation: The Bahamas is committed to raising the voices of Small Island Developing States and other underrepresented groups within the UN system.