Bahrain's Bid for UN Security Council Seat (2026–2027) Marks Milestone in Global Diplomacy
Bahrain's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term is a powerful reaffirmation of the international community's growing confidence in the Kingdom's foreign policy. This move highlights Bahrain's ongoing commitment to peace, dialogue, and international cooperation, guided by the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Coming at a time of heightened global uncertainty, marked by overlapping security, economic, and humanitarian challenges—especially in the Middle East—Bahrain's nomination gains critical importance. It underscores the need for collective global action and echoes Bahrain's longstanding principles of constructive engagement, peacebuilding, and advocacy for inclusive dialogue.
The candidacy is widely regarded as a well-earned diplomatic success, reflecting Bahrain's decades-long efforts to promote values of coexistence, moderation, and tolerance on the global stage. The Kingdom's foreign policy has consistently aligned with its Arab and Islamic identity while remaining firmly committed to the UN Charter and international law, particularly international humanitarian law.
His Majesty King Hamad's speech at the 75th UN General Assembly in September 2020 remains a cornerstone of Bahrain's foreign policy vision. He emphasized, 'The success and prosperity of societies are closely linked to the preservation of security and stability. Bahrain has always upheld this approach and continues to support global cooperation under the umbrella of shared objectives for human progress.'
Since joining the UN in 1971, Bahrain has been an active and responsible global player, championing peace and sustainable development while firmly opposing terrorism. Its previous tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council from 1998 to 1999 demonstrated Bahrain's constructive role in international diplomacy.
Under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad since 1999, Bahrain has expanded its diplomatic outreach, building balanced relationships across regions and international organizations. Its diplomatic approach promotes the values of peace, dialogue, and stability—essential foundations for global prosperity.
This vision has materialized through landmark initiatives, notably the Bahrain Declaration for Religious Tolerance, which has gained international recognition, and the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, a pioneering institution fostering interfaith harmony. Bahrain has also hosted major dialogue forums, including the annual Manama Dialogue, and in 2022, the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence, under royal patronage, featuring prominent global religious leaders such as Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.
Bahrain's collaborative engagement with the UN continues to grow. The Kingdom actively participates in the General Assembly, Human Rights Council, and various specialized committees. It also hosts several UN agency offices, including UNDP, WHO, and UNICEF, and partners with the organization on diverse initiatives—from women's empowerment and education to cybersecurity, food security, and humanitarian relief via the Royal Humanitarian Foundation.
Promoting religious freedom and intercultural dialogue is another hallmark of Bahrain's international agenda. Key milestones include the Freedom of Religion and Belief Conference with the European Union in 2022 and the International Congress 'Finding Beauty in Others' in 2024. His Majesty's visit to the Vatican in 2023 further underlined Bahrain's commitment to interfaith cooperation and regional stability.
Bahrain's diplomacy continues to champion dialogue over division, prioritizing peace, sustainable development, and human rights. The Kingdom's recent leadership of the 33rd Arab League Summit, hosted in Manama in May 2024, showcased its commitment to resolving regional crises and advancing Arab unity. His Majesty's keynote address proposed several bold initiatives, including an international peace conference for the Middle East, full UN membership for Palestine, improved education and healthcare for conflict-affected populations, and enhanced Arab cooperation in fintech and digital transformation.
Additionally, Bahrain has led international calls to criminalize religious, sectarian, and racial hate speech. This was evident in His Majesty's speech during the 146th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly hosted in Bahrain in 2023. Moreover, the Kingdom established the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence, which honors individuals and organizations promoting global tolerance and intercultural dialogue.
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