What to expect from Brazil’s UN Security Council presidency

Brazil is taking over the presidency of the UN Security Council. 

The Security Council is the UN’s top body, the only forum able to impose sanctions and authorize the use of force, including peacekeeping operations. Its rotating presidency is held by each member country for a month, according to alphabetical order in English. Albania presided in June, with China due to take over after Brazil, in August.

The president of the Security Council is responsible for its agenda. Before taking over, a delegation forwards a draft program to other members of the council. While part of the agenda is set in advance – such as necessary discussions on expiring peacekeeping operations –, presiding countries can also showcase their own foreign policy interests and goals.

They can do this through so-called “signature events,” which are proposed by the incoming president.

Brazil will preside over two signature events in July, sources tell The Brazilian Report, on “Children and Armed Conflict” and “Strategic Communication in Peacekeeping Operations.” The official program will be published on the UN website later today.

The country has boasted of its “active engagement” on the first issue,...