Australia announces bid for UN Security Council seat, urges renewed multilateralism

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the United Nations assembly that Australia is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2029'030 and pledged to "listen with respect, partner as equals and protect what matters most." He framed the bid as part of a broader push to strengthen and modernize the UN so it can better prevent crises and promote prosperity.

Albanese said the council should be driven by rules, not power, and that Australia would use a Security Council seat to amplify the voices of small and middle powers and to support diplomacy, peacebuilding and protection of civilians. He described the bid as consistent with how Australia has conducted itself at the United Nations and tied it to a platform of upholding international law, including the UN Charter.