The 2011 GIBSA Conference on the United Nations Security Council

For several years, a number of countries have been aspiring to be included into the group of permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Among these countries are Japan, Germany, India, and Brazil. This Group of Four (G4) presented a proposal for UNSC reform in 2005 that would have assigned them and two African countries (one of them most likely South Africa) permanent seats. The year 2011 opens a special window of opportunity for a new reform approach since Germany, India, Brazil and South Africa (GIBSA), all heavyweights in their respective regions, are all non-permanent members of the UNSC. This year is GIBSA's chance to form a common agenda and to initiate a reform of the Council. Above all, GIBSA need to show that they can contribute to the effectiveness and legitimacy of the UNSC.