The Security Council's programme of work for August features an open debate on conflict and hunger, the representative of Denmark, the organ's President for the month, told correspondents at a Headquarters press conference today.
Where conflicts erupt, hunger often follows, Christina Markus Lassen (Denmark), Council President for August, observed. And the scarcity of food resources exacerbates conflict. This is why her country's Minister for Foreign Affairs will host a high-level open debate on "Food Under Fire: The Security Council's Role in Mitigating Global and Local Food Crises" on 25 August.
"We want to use this debate to see how the Council can better implement resolution 2417 (2018) ," she said. The importance of this topic is only underscored by the current developments in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as several other ongoing conflicts, she added.
Denmark will host another open debate on 19 August on the Council's working methods. Reaffirming her country's commitment to "a more effective, transparent and inclusive Security Council", she expressed the hope that the wider membership of the UN will engage with this topic.
She also noted mandated meetings on South Sudan, Yemen, Libya, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Syria. Denmark assumes the presidency of the Security Council at a time of deep uncertainty, she said, adding that Ukraine, Sudan and the Gulf could also end up on the Council's agenda in the coming month.
"Then there are several known unknowns," she said, noting that the Council may also hold consultations on the Secretary-General's review of the future of peace operations. It will also be closely watching the situation in the West Bank and in Gaza. In Lebanon, the post-United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) arrangements will have to be decided and Council members are waiting for the Secretary-General to present options.
August is also the "rather grim anniversary" of five years since the Taliban's seizure of power in Afghanistan, she pointed out, adding that it is important to reflect on the impact of this event, particularly for women and girls. Throughout its terms on the Council, Denmark has been consistent in demanding respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, she noted. Her country has prioritized women, peace and security. "You will also see focus on these issues during our presidency month," she said.
The Council also hopes to make progress on the selection of the new Secretary-General, she added, and "there will certainly be one straw poll during our presidency".
Responding to questions about how the Council will address Ukraine this month, she noted that her country has been advocating for its neighbour relentlessly. Over the last three months, as the Russian Federation's attacks became more brutal, the Council has held meetings accordingly. Denmark has called for a ceasefire several times and this month, will continue to keep the spotlight on Ukraine.
Expressing hopefulness about the ongoing talks between the United States and Iran, she said that diplomacy is the best path forward. If any Council member raises the issue, Iran will also be on the agenda this month, she said.
A number of questions focused on Palestine. On Gaza, she highlighted the need to fully implement Council resolution 2803 (2025) which established the Board of Peace. While there is agreement regarding the disarmament of Hamas and withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces, she acknowledged that there were casualties in Gaza yesterday, and it is important to keep asking questions and push for more humanitarian access.
Regarding the stigmatization of UN officials who are critical of Israel, she pointed to Denmark's support for the mandates of Pramila Patten, the Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and Vanessa Frazier, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. "We trust their methodology," she added.
On when Denmark will recognize Palestinian statehood, she said: "We want to do recognition when it makes a difference." Copenhagen will recognize an independent Palestinian State once certain conditions - including reform of the Palestinian Authority - are met. Now it is up to the Palestinians, she said, noting that Denmark has had a Palestinian representative office for several years, which was enhanced to the Ambassador level a couple of years ago.
Responding to a question concerning Lebanon, she noted Council consultations, but also acknowledged that the situation is evolving. Welcoming the trilateral talks between Israel and Lebanon, she noted that President Joseph Aoun recently visited the White House.
On Syria, she noted the Council's cautious optimism and recalled the Council members' positive visit to that country. There is relative agreement within the organ on supporting the new transitional Government while holding it accountable to its own principles and the relevant Council resolutions. Regarding the rights of Syria's Kurdish people, she acknowledged that, while the Council has been focused on respecting Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty, the question of citizenship is important to the Kurdish population. Noting that the recently issued Presidential Decree Number 13 is a positive sign, she added: "We don't want to see another failed State in the Levant."
She took a number of questions about the selection process for the next Secretary-General. "We are very excited about it," she said, adding: "It is historic to be part of this process." However, it is also necessary to respect the "confidentiality in that room" as the Council works towards agreement on this - as it has managed the past nine times, she said, explaining why she was unable to say more.
When discussing the modality of the elections, her country was one of the members who argued in favour of more transparency and for releasing the polls, she said. But, it agreed not to release the polls; therefore, "we find it unfortunate" that some results have leaked, she said.
Ms. Lassen also took a question about Greenland, and the United States President Donald J. Trump's claims regarding that territory. "The Danish and Greenlandic Governments have consistently rejected the American ambition to take over Greenland," she said. While noting "completely legitimate American concerns about security in the Arctic or the High North", she said it is equally crucial to "respect Danish and Greenlandic red lines". For Denmark, this means respect for its territorial integrity and sovereignty and for the Greenlandic Government, it's about respect for its people's right to self-determination, she affirmed.
For the full programme of work, please see: https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/programme-work .
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