Bahamas announces bid for UN Security Council seat

Creator: UN Photo/Manuel Elias

The Bahamas has formally signalled its intention to seek a non‑permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2032–2033 term, marking a historic step in the country’s multilateral engagement and diplomatic ambitions.

In a pre‑recorded address to the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Bahamian Attorney General Ryan Pinder outlined the government’s decision and emphasized the need for stronger representation of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in global decision‑making forums.

“In turbulent times, the world looks to the United Nations for principled leadership, clarity, fairness, and consistency,” Pinder said, adding that the decision to pursue a UNSC seat was guided by the theme “Resilience, Relationships, Representation.”

Pinder framed the move as a way to ensure that the perspectives of small island states are heard on issues that disproportionately affect them, including climate change, human rights, and global security. He said that The Bahamas believes the Security Council should reflect the full diversity of the UN membership and work robustly to uphold international law.

“Climate change is already transforming where and how our people live, threatening livelihoods, food security, and the very land beneath our feet,” Pinder noted, urging collective global action to address its human rights implications. He called for renewed commitment to a rules‑based international order that protects smaller nations.

Pinder also addressed concerns over “unilateral and coercive” practices affecting small states and reaffirmed the government’s support for a transparent global tax cooperation framework grounded in equal participation.

The Attorney General highlighted ongoing regional challenges, describing the situation in Haiti as “of profound concern” and expressing The Bahamas’ support for international efforts focused on institutional strengthening and civilian protections there.

Pinder concluded by affirming The Bahamas’ vision for the UNHRC as “a lighthouse for the world — pointing us always toward the ports of justice, peace, and hope,” and stressing the importance of cooperation and adherence to international norms as the global community navigates complex geopolitical waters.

The official UNSC election for the 2032–33 term is expected in 2031, and The Bahamas’ bid aligns with broader regional efforts by Caribbean and other small states to increase their influence in global governance.