UN Security Council Presidency
Greece takes over the rotating UN Security Council presidency amid major global conflicts.
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Key Points
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Greece’s October programme includes the annual joint meeting of the UN Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council.
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Greece will help facilitate convergence among Security Council members in the process of selecting the UN’s next secretary-general.
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UN figures cited in coverage show 2,222 civilians were killed and 13,058 injured in Ukraine in the first eight months of 2026—more civilian casualties than in all of 2025. UN officials also warned the war had entered a “dangerous new phase.”
Greece took the helm of the UN Security Council in October for its second and final time during its 2025–26 elected term, Greek City Times reported. The presidency comes as the council faces major crises: the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, deep divisions among members, and the task of selecting a new UN secretary-general.
Greece will chair Security Council meetings and set the agenda but cannot override votes or block decisions. Newsy Today noted that Athens prioritizes maritime security, artificial intelligence, child protection in conflicts, and women's rights. A high-level maritime security meeting is scheduled for October 29.
Ukraine's Civilian Toll Reaches Critical Levels
The UN has documented a staggering increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine. In the first eight months of 2026 alone, 2,222 civilians were killed and 13,058 injured—surpassing all of 2025's total, according to Newsy Today. UN officials warned the conflict has entered a "dangerous new phase."
A Fractured Council Tackles Twin Conflicts
Hashtag.al reported Greece assumes leadership over a deeply divided Security Council as wars rage in Ukraine and the Middle East. The council's 15 members often block each other's proposals, making consensus difficult. Greece's presidency tests whether Athens can bridge these divisions during one of the council's most turbulent periods.
Greece Navigates Diplomatic Tensions on Israel
Athens reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and Palestinian rights, Worldnews reported. However, questions linger about Greece's closer ties to Israel, which some view as contradicting its stated commitment to Palestinian causes. The presidency offers Greece a chance to clarify its Middle East position to the international community.
Greece to Facilitate New UN Secretary-General Selection
Greece will help shepherd the process of selecting the UN's next secretary-general, Worldnews noted. The presidency includes an annual joint meeting with the African Union Peace and Security Council, plus debates and straw polls. Finding consensus on a secretary-general candidate among divided Security Council members will test Greece's diplomatic skill.
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