Reform the Security Council to reflect realities of today.
	Expand the Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories, including developing and developed countries as new permanent members.
	Improve working methods to enhance transparency and inclusiveness.
	Decision before the Summit in September 2005.

An overwhelming majority of UN member states share a sense of urgency for reforming the UN so that it can better reflect current political realities and address contemporary and future challenges. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has stated that “we must make 2005 a year of bold decision”. This will necessitate institutional reform, particularly reform of the Security Council. As the Secretary-General has stated, “no reform of the United Nations would be complete without reform of the Security Council”.

With respect to taking a decision on the issue of Security Council reform, the Secretary-General’s views, as expressed in his report, are clear: “Member States should agree to take a decision on this important issue before the summit in Septem­ber 2005. It would be far preferable for member States to take this vital decision by consensus, but if they are unable to reach consensus this must not become an excuse for postponing action”. It should also be recalled that the decision to expand the non-permanent category in 1963 was made by a vote.

The Security Council must be expanded in both the permanent and non-permanent categories, including developing and developed countries as new permanent members. An expanded Security Council should include, on permanent basis, countries that have the will and the capacity to take on major responsibilities with regard to the maintenance of international peace and security.

In the present 59 th session of the General Assembly, 166 countries have explicitly stressed the need for Security Council reform , some 120of whichexpressed support for an expansion both in the permanent and non-permanent categories . In addition, the African Union at its 7 th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council in Addis Ababa has agreed to an expansion of the Security Council on this basis. An overwhelming majority also favours an improvement in the working methods of the Security Council, in order to make them more transparent and inclusive. This platform provides the basis for reaching decisions with the broadest possible agreement among Member States.

Brazil, Germany, India and Japan, based on the shared recognition that they are legitimate candidates for permanent membership in an expanded Security Council, support each other’s candidature. Africa must be represented in the permanent membership in the Security Council. We will work with the wider membership of the UN to achieve meaningful change in bringing about the expansion and reform of the Security Council envisaged by the great majority of the membership.

Key Points on Security Council Reform

We will work towards a decision on the issue of Security Council reform on the basis of the following elements:

I. Procedure

1. Size and composition

In enlarging the Council, regional groups will remain unchanged. The Council will be expanded by adding 6 new permanent members (2 from African States, 2 from Asian States, 1 from Latin American and Carribean States, and 1 from Western European and Other States) and 3 or 4 new non-permanent members.

2. Working methods

The working methods of the Security Council will have to be improved, for better transparency and inclusiveness, taking into account the recommendations that have been agreed to by Member States.

3. Responsibilities and obligations
The new permanent members should have the same responsibilities and obligations as the current permanent members. The question of the veto should not be a hindrance to achieving Security Council reform.

4. Review in 2020

5. Selection process
Selection of new permanent members in the General Assembly.

New York, 31 March 2005