Colombia has been elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2026-2027 term. This marks the eighth time the South American nation has served on the United Nations’ most important body.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the election represents “a recognition of Colombia’s diplomatic leadership and the strengthening of its foreign policy under the administration of President Gustavo Petro.”
Colombia will be a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council
With 180 votes in favor, Colombia was elected today as a new non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. The South American country will join the group of nations that make up this key United Nations body for the 2026–2027 term.
This nearly unanimous election positions Colombia as one of the Latin American countries with the longest record on the Security Council, as this will be the eighth time the country has served on this important UN body.
The decision was celebrated by Colombian diplomacy, linking the outcome to the country’s government’s role on the international stage, according to Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia.
“Colombia achieves a new victory on the international stage. A recognition of Colombia’s diplomatic leadership and of President Gustavo Petro’s work in strengthening our foreign policy,” the Minister wrote on her X social media account.
“Starting January 1, 2026, we will work responsibly, promoting International Law, Human Rights, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts,” the Minister stated.
Along with Colombia, the UN General Assembly elected Bahrain, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia and Liberia as non-permanent members of the Security Council, in replacement of Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and South Korea.
Five other countries will serve until December 31, 2026, namely Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia.
#Noticia 🗞️ | Con 180 votos Colombia fue elegida como miembro no permanente del Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU para el periodo 2026-2027, marcando así la octava ocasión en que el país hace parte del órgano de mayor poder dentro del sistema multilateral de Naciones Unidas.
La… pic.twitter.com/gFniuA70rR
— Cancillería Colombia (@CancilleriaCol) June 3, 2025
Colombia appreciates its election
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Colombia had not served on the Security Council for 13 years, underscoring the significance of its return amid a global context marked by armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, and multilateral challenges.
“Our country had not been part of this body for 13 years. The Security Council’s decisions are binding on all member states, and it is the only body with the authority to take enforcement measures, including the use of force,” the ministry stated.
According to the document, Colombia’s participation in the Security Council will be guided “by principles such as respect for International Law, the promotion of human rights, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.”
“From the Security Council, we will continue advocating for the implementation of the Peace Agreement and defending the principles of a stable and lasting peace that have guided our foreign policy in recent years,” stated Minister Sarabia.
How does the UN Security Council work?
The UN Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, tasked with maintaining international peace and security.
It comprises 15 members: five permanent members—China, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Russia—each holding veto power, and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.
The five permanent members reflect the post-World War II balance of power. The ten non-permanent members are elected considering equitable geographical distribution: five from Africa and Asia, two from Latin America and the Caribbean, two from Western Europe, and one from Eastern Europe. Five new non-permanent members are elected annually to replace those concluding their terms.
The Council can impose sanctions, authorize the use of military force, establish peacekeeping missions, and recommend peaceful conflict resolutions. For a resolution to be adopted, it must receive at least nine affirmative votes, with no permanent member voting against it.
Thus, the Security Council plays a key role in international diplomacy, though its structure has faced criticism over lack of representativeness and transparency.
Related: Colombia Presents Candidacy for Seat on UN Security Council.