As of 1 October 2026, Greece assumes, for the second time during its current term as an elected member, the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council. According to the United Nations Charter, the Security Council is primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security, guided by the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Developments in Ukraine and the broader Middle East, as well as a range of other regional and international crises, will be at the centre of the Security Council’s work. At the same time, the UN Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council will convene for their annual joint consultative meeting.
The selection process for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations will be a particularly significant development during the month. As the country holding the Presidency, Greece will be responsible for building the necessary consensus among Security Council members towards the selection of the new Secretary-General, at a time when strengthening the credibility and international standing of the United Nations is absolutely necessary.
During its Presidency, Greece will draw on the international capital it has built as a bridge between East and West, North and South. In this context, the central High-Level Event of the Greek Presidency will be held on 29 October and will focus on freedom of navigation and maritime security, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Dedicated sessions will also be held on the other priorities of the Greek Presidency, including the protection of civilians, particularly children, in armed conflict, and Women, Peace and Security.
In this context, the Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis stated:
“Today, Greece assumes, for the second time during its term, the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, at one of the most critical junctures for the international community.
As an elected member of the Security Council and a country with a strong international diplomatic footprint, Greece will work consistently and persistently to promote effective and functional multilateralism, an international order based on principles and rules, and the strengthening of the United Nations’ role in promoting peace .
To this end, we will work together with the members of the Security Council, actively contributing to efforts to uphold international peace and security.”
October 1, 2026