Five countries install flags as new non-permanent members of U.N. Security Council

A flag installation ceremony marking the arrival of five newly elected non-permanent members to the United Nations Security Council took place on the first business day of the New Year, where Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia were formally welcomed, organizers and speakers said.

The event, organized by Kazakhstan and co-hosted during Algeria’s monthly presidency, brought together permanent representatives and senior U.N. officials who highlighted the role of elected members in shaping council work and reaffirmed commitments to the U.N. Charter.

Kairat Umarov, permanent representative of Kazakhstan and master of ceremonies, said Kazakhstan “transformed [the flag installation] into a respectable ceremony, cherishing the incoming member states to the Security Council” and thanked previous council presidents and organizers for supporting the annual tradition. Umarov noted the ceremony has been run annually…