The Republic of Korea successfully concluded its presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for September. Serving as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2024-2025 term, Korea assumed its presidency for the second time during its current non-permanent membership, following its previous presidency in June 2024.

※ The Security Council presidency rotates monthly in the English alphabetical order of member states’ names. Korea held the presidency twice during its 2024-2025 term — in June 2024 and September 2025.

※ The 80th UN General Assembly High-Level Week was held from September 23 (Tue.) to 27 (Sat.) and concluded with a session on September 29 (Mon.).

As President of the Security Council, Korea hosted a signature event on September 24 -- an open debate on “Artificial Intelligence and International Peace and Security” presided over by President Lee Jae Myung. This marked the first time a Korean president has chaired a Security Council meeting. During the meeting, President Lee conveyed a message of “AI for peace, security and humanity,” highlighting Korea’s contributions to  AI discussions in the military domain. Over three days, 83 participants, including heads of state as well as  representatives from UN member states and related international organizations, delivered remarks, reflecting the international community’s keen interest in the Security Council’s role in the evolving international security environment shaped by AI.

On September 23, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun presided over back-to-back high-level briefings on the Middle East and Ukraine. Held amid escalating tensions in these regions, these meetings underscored Korea’s commitment to playing a responsible role in and contributing to addressing key global security challenges.

As a Security Council member prioritizing discussions on the UN’s peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, Korea hosted an open debate on the future of peace operations (including peacekeeping operations) on September 9. This debate provided a forum for broad consultation among UN member states to gather insights and wisdom, at a time when UN peace operations face pressing reform challenges. Furthermore, during its presidency, Korea led meetings focused on peace and security in Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Afghanistan, proactively exploring ways to stabilize these regions. Korea also engaged closely with other Council members to advance the restoration of UN sanctions against Iran, one of the major international issues. Additionally, at the request of members of the UN and the Security Council, Korea convened briefings to discuss regional peace and security concerns in Qatar, Poland and Estonia.

Furthermore, in September, the Korean government led the adoption of three Security Council resolutions -- extending the Sudan sanctions regime on September 12, establishing follow-up mechanisms for missing persons in Iraq and Kuwait on September 17, and approving the transition of the Multi Security Support Mission into a Gang Suppression Force on September 30.

Holding the Security Council presidency in September featuring the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week that brings together world leaders in New York, Korea actively led discussions aimed at promoting international peace and security, with the participation of heads of state, foreign ministers and other high-level officials, thereby significantly enhancing its multilateral diplomatic leadership.

Throughout the remainder of its term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, the Korean government will continue to play an essential role in addressing global challenges threatening international peace and security and to elevate its stature as a responsible global power.