How Can Greece Use its UN Security Council Seat Wisely
The election of Greece as a non-permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2025-2026 is a truly significant moment in the nation’s diplomatic history.
With the support of a staggering 182 countries, Greece assumeed its seat at the dawn of 2025 at a very important and critical time in global affairs, with nationalism on the rise and regional conflicts and wars still ravaging Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Greece should use this fantastic diplomatic opportunity to amplify its voice on the world stage and become once again a power that is respected on the global stage, following a decade of devastating blows to its prestige due to the financial crisis of the 2010s.
This will be Greece’s third tenure on the Council, following two-year terms in the distant 1952-1953 and again in 2005-2006.
How could Greece use its two-year tenure in the UN Security Council?
The participation of Greece in the top council of the UN shows the commitment of the Greeks to return to the global diplomatic stage as a force that promotes international peace, security and cooperation at a time when these attributes are more important than ever.
The UN Security Council is indeed one of the most influential bodies in global governance, despite the blows to its reputation in recent decades, and Greece’s position there is an excellent opportunity for Athens to promote its interests and its diplomatic agenda.
The UN Security Council is tasked with the crucial job of maintaining international peace and security despite the constant threats to global stability and peace.
As a non-permanent member, Greece has managed to gain a unique opportunity to be at the core of those nations that shape global policies and contribute to resolving issues such as the wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Lebanon, the confrontation between Israel and Iran as well as climate change and human rights violations, among others.
The critical geographic position of Greece at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa gives it a strategic perspective on key geopolitical challenges that include Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iran and others.
Greece can hope to be well-positioned during its two-year tenure and act as a stabilising force.
Greek PM places particular emphasis on Greece’s tenure
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasised recently that Greece will use its term to advocate for peaceful dispute resolution, adherence to international law and multilateral diplomacy, at a time when unilateral actions and violations of international law are on the rise. Most recent example, the remarks of US President-elect Trump on Greenland, Panama and Canada.
However, Greece has a serious issue to deal with that has been persisting for decades. Greek-Turkish relations could be affected by Greece’s participation in the UN Security Council in many direct and indirect ways.
Historically marked by disputes over maritime boundaries, airspace and the Cyprus issue, the relations between Athens and Ankara have seen a recent thaw, offering Greece a unique opportunity to use its tenure in the UN Security Council strategically, taking advantage of this calm period.
As both nations pursue a rapprochement through mechanisms like the High-Level Cooperation Council and confidence-building measures, Greece can use its position in the Council to promote dialogue by insisting on full adherence to every part of international law.
By advocating for peaceful resolutions to regional disputes, including the delimitation of the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), Greece could indirectly strengthen its position in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey is following a confrontational stance, at odds with international norms.
Furthermore, Greek efforts to address broader regional challenges—such as mass migration and energy security—could be fronts where its bilateral agenda with Turkey could be aligned. This could be a good opportunity for Athens and Ankara to cooperate in good will.
How Greece got elected
The campaign Greece used for its election was built on the pillars of “Dialogue, Diplomacy, Democracy,” reflecting its long-standing commitment to these values, using these three words that etymologically stem from Greek to emphasise its commitment to these values. During its term, Greece needs to prioritise these pressing issues.
Greece’s top priority has to be resolving current conflicts.
By advocating for peaceful solutions in regions marked by instability and war, Greece should play a constructive role in helping with de-escalating efforts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
In terms of climate and maritime security, Greece can also play a protagonistic role in persuading major global players to tackle environmental challenges and safeguard maritime routes critical to global trade, especially at a time when Greek shipowners and their fleets face incidents of terrorism and piracy on multiple fronts on global maritime routes.
Human rights, another important issue
During its tenure in the UN Security Council, human rights should be another important focus area for Greece.
Greece can amplify the voices of those who campaign for the protection of civilians, women and children in conflict zones by reinforcing international humanitarian laws and holding those who don’t respect them accountable.
By focusing on these areas, Greece can be a force that could bring positive change on crucial fronts in international affairs.
Greece and the UN Security Council reform
Greece has also said publicly that there is an urgent need for comprehensive reform in the way the UN Security Council operates. Prime Minister Mitsotakis has highlighted that nearly a third of UN member states have never held a seat on the Council, highlighting this injustice.
Greece supports proposals that want to expand both permanent and non-permanent memberships to better reflect 21st-century geopolitical realities, as the Security Council still operates with a post-World War Two order.
This stance aligns with the broader goal Greece has of promoting inclusivity and equity within international institutions, by giving voice to nations that have been left badly-represented in international fora.
History and culture, Greece’s diplomatic weapons
Beyond traditional diplomacy, Greece also has the privilege of bringing its uniquely rich cultural heritage and history as tools of soft power that can place her at the forefront of global affairs and in decision-making rooms.
As one of the UN’s founding members with deep democratic roots dating back to antiquity, Greece can proudly claim that it advocates for ideals that are not only Greek but resonate globally.
Cultural diplomacy is also a key aspect that Greece could benefit from using in its foreign policy, strengthening ties with other nations through shared historical bonds with those that share Greece’s sensibilities on this front.
The agenda that Greece has to put forward during its tenure in the UN Security Council can also extend beyond regional issues to tackling global challenges such as artificial intelligence (AI) governance and climate resilience in the long run.
Recognising AI’s transformative potential—and risks—Greece should be at the forefront of those who advocate for international regulations that ensure equitable access in a responsible and transparent way that mitigates the potential harm that AI brings with it.
Similarly, Greece should focus its initiatives and efforts on climate change as the nation is vulnerable as a Mediterranean nation.
In an increasingly polarised world, where traditional alliances tremble and new powers emerge, Greece should aim to be the bridge between North and South, East and West.
Greece should always continue to promote total adherence to international law in order to earn its credibility as an honest broker in international disputes. During previous UNSC terms, Greece chaired key committees on sanctions and counter-terrorism, showcasing the ability of its top diplomatic team to handle important global issues effectively.
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