New york: The United Nations General Assembly has elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe to the 15-member UN Security Council for two-year terms starting on January 1, 2027, and concluding on December 31, 2028.

According to Emirates News Agency, Austria and Portugal secured the two seats allocated to the Western European group, while Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe were elected from the Latin American and Caribbean Group and the African Group, respectively. This election is a significant milestone for Kyrgyzstan, marking its first time serving on the Security Council since joining the United Nations in 1992.

The other four newly elected members bring prior Council experience to the table. Austria and Portugal have each served three times, Zimbabwe twice, and Trinidad and Tobago once. These countries will replace Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia, who are concluding their terms.

The Security Council is composed of 15 members, including five permanent members: Russia, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.