!Image!ImageBahrain has formally taken up its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, beginning a two-year term that runs through 2027 and places the Gulf kingdom at the centre of deliberations on global peace and security.
The start of the mandate follows Bahrain’s election by the UN General Assembly, securing broad support across regional groups and underscoring expectations that Manama will contribute a consensus-oriented voice during a period marked by armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and institutional strain at the world body. The Council, tasked with maintaining international peace, wields authority over sanctions, peacekeeping mandates and binding resolutions, making the seat one of the most consequential in multilateral diplomacy.
Ambassador Jamal Fares Al Rowaiei, Bahrain’s permanent representative to the UN, assumed responsibilities on behalf of the kingdom as the new term opened at UN headquarters in New York. In remarks to diplomats, he signalled that Bahrain would prioritise dialogue, respect for international law and cooperation with regional organisations, while emphasising the protection of civilians and support for political solutions to conflicts.
Bahrain joins a rotating group of ten non-permanent members alongside the Council’s five permanent powers. The configuration for 2026–27 brings together states from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Western Europe and Others, reflecting a balance intended to mirror the UN’s geographic diversity. For Bahrain, the seat represents a return to the Council after more than a decade and an opportunity to shape debates beyond its immediate neighbourhood.
Officials in Manama have framed the role as an extension of the kingdom’s foreign policy approach, which has combined mediation efforts, participation in international coalitions and advocacy for multilateral solutions. Bahrain has been active in UN forums on counter-terrorism financing, maritime security and interfaith dialogue, areas expected to inform its Council engagement. Diplomats say the delegation aims to work closely with fellow elected members to bridge divides that have often paralysed decision-making.
The Council agenda Bahrain inherits is crowded. Ongoing wars in Europe, the Middle East and parts of Africa continue to test the body’s capacity to respond effectively, while debates over peacekeeping reform, sanctions design and humanitarian access remain unresolved. Climate-related security risks and cyber threats are also gaining prominence, pushing the Council to consider issues that cut across traditional definitions of conflict.
Bahrain’s position within the Arab world and its ties with Western and Asian partners are seen by analysts as assets in navigating sensitive الملفات. The kingdom has supported diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalation and has called for adherence to the UN Charter, language that resonates with states seeking predictability in Council outcomes. Its delegation is expected to consult closely with Arab League members and Gulf partners while maintaining outreach to African and European counterparts.
As part of its responsibilities, Bahrain will participate in drafting resolutions, chairing subsidiary bodies and engaging with UN special envoys. Non-permanent members often take on the role of penholders for specific country files or thematic issues, a function that can shape how crises are framed and addressed. Whether Bahrain seeks such roles early in its term will be closely watched by diplomats.
The Council seat also places a spotlight on domestic capacity. Bahrain has expanded its diplomatic corps in New York and Geneva, investing in legal and policy expertise to handle the technical demands of Council work. Observers note that smaller states often rely on coalition-building and procedural skill to amplify their influence, strategies Bahrain has employed in other multilateral settings.
Topics
Bahrain