Australia seeks UN Security Council seat for 2029-2030, Albanese tells General Assembly

24 September 2026

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the UN General Assembly's general debate on Thursday, 24 September 2026, that Australia is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2029-2030. He said Australia would uphold international law, including the UN Charter and the sovereignty of all States, and amplify the voices of small States and middle powers on the Council. He said the UN mission cannot be entrusted solely to the great powers or subcontracted to the world's richest companies, and called for cooperation on climate change, AI and the breakdown of international rules. He recalled that Australia instituted a social media ban for people under 16 last year, and said more than 20 countries are bringing in or have brought in age restrictions on social media.