Central Idea

• The Intergovernmental Negotiations Framework (IGN) meetings, which aim to reform the United Nations Security Council, are now being webcasted for the first time in history.

What is IGN?

• The Intergovernmental Negotiations framework (IGN) is a collective effort by various nation-states within the United Nations to advance the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
• This article provides an overview of the composition of the IGN and highlights the progress made in achieving consensus among its members.

Evolution of the Reform Agenda

• The issue of reforming the UN Security Council has been under discussion since 1993, with successive reports published in 2001 and 2007.
• The current agenda for this issue within the UN General Assembly can be accessed online.

Composition of the IGN

• The IGN consists of several international organizations representing different perspectives on UN Security Council reform, including:

1. African Union
2. G4 nations (Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan)
3. Uniting for Consensus Group (UfC), also known as the “Coffee Club”
4. 69 Group of Developing Countries
5. Arab League
6. Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

• Each group presents unique positions regarding the reform of the UN Security Council, reflecting the diverse interests and perspectives of its member states.

Establishment of Consensus

• On July 27, 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted an “oral decision” by general acclamation, approving the “elements of convergence” declaration.
• This declaration outlined the status of the consensus achieved by the IGN members at that time.

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