New Faces on the U.N. Security Council

The United Nations General Assembly has elected Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe to the U.N. Security Council for two-year terms starting in 2027. A third voting round is underway to decide the fifth seat between the Philippines or Kyrgyzstan. The Security Council enacts binding decisions.

The United Nations General Assembly elected Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe to the U.N. Security Council for two-year terms beginning January 1, 2027. A tie-breaking vote is underway to decide the final seat between the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan.

Germany, despite rigorous campaigning, fell short in the election, finishing third in the Western European and Others Group with 104 votes. Contrastingly, Portugal and Austria secured their positions with 134 and 131 votes, respectively.

The Security Council, the only U.N. body able to make legally binding decisions, consists of five permanent members and ten elected ones. This cycle's electees include representatives from various regional groups worldwide.