Australia Launches Bid for UN Security Council Seat for 2029–2030

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has launched Australia’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2029–2030. ( Photo credit: Yu Chu Chin/Wikimedia commons)

 NEW YORK, September 21, 2026 — Australia has formally launched its campaign to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2029–2030 term, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese presenting the bid during the UN General Assembly in New York.

Albanese said Australia wanted to use a potential seat to contribute to international discussions on major global challenges, including conflicts, climate change, cybersecurity and the rapid development of artificial intelligence.

Australia seeking return to Security Council

If elected, Australia would return to the Security Council for the first time since its 2013–2014 term. During that previous term, Australia played a role in efforts surrounding the investigation into the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine.

The Security Council has 15 members, including five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

Australia is seeking one of two non-permanent positions allocated to the Western European and Others Group. Finland is currently the other declared candidate for the two available positions, although additional candidates could still emerge.

Vote will take place in 2028

The United Nations Security Council has 15 members, including five permanent members and 10 elected members. ( Photo credit: Unsplash)

The election is scheduled for 2028, with the vote conducted by secret ballot in the UN General Assembly.

A candidate must receive support from at least two-thirds of UN member states participating in the vote. With 193 UN members, that would mean at least 128 votes if every member votes.

Australia’s campaign slogan is “We listen. We partner. We protect.” The government says it will highlight Australia’s role in the Pacific, climate policy, online safety and technology regulation as part of its campaign.

Important Fact

Australia has not yet secured the UN Security Council seat. The country has only launched its campaign for the 2029–2030 term, and the final decision will be made by the UN General Assembly through an election in 2028.