New York, September 2, 2026 – The Europe Today: France has assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for September, taking over the council’s leadership as the United Nations enters a key month of high-level diplomatic activity.
France’s presidency comes as world leaders prepare to gather at UN Headquarters in New York for the annual high-level session of the UN General Assembly. Paris has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and to strengthening international cooperation through the United Nations.
During its month-long presidency, France is expected to guide the council’s work on a range of international peace and security issues. According to the UN Security Council’s September programme, the body will address developments concerning Haiti, Iran and Sudan, among other matters.
As president, France will have the responsibility of convening and presiding over Security Council meetings, facilitating negotiations among the 15 members and representing the council in its capacity as a UN organ. The presidency rotates among Security Council members on a monthly basis.
The French presidency also places emphasis on the role of multilateral diplomacy at a time of heightened international tensions and complex global challenges. France is expected to use the month to promote dialogue and collective action on matters affecting international peace and security.
The Security Council, which has primary responsibility within the UN system for maintaining international peace and security, consists of 15 members, including five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — and 10 elected members.
France’s assumption of the presidency coincides with the opening of the September diplomatic calendar at the United Nations, making the month particularly significant for discussions on major international crises and efforts to strengthen multilateral cooperation.
