Opportunities for Small States in the United Nations Security Council This year, the UAE not only celebrates its Golden Jubilee, but also runs for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. Likewise, Latvia plans to present its candidacy for non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council elections in 2025. 2021 is a symbolic year for both countries, marking 50 years since the UAE joined the United Nations and 30 years since Latvia joined the organization. There are many similarities between these two like-minded nations that proudly carry the title of small countries. It is important to note that small states have always played an important role in the organization, especially now, when the majority of the 10 non-permanent member states are small states. Despite their size, these states are able to resolve issues of global importance in the United Nations Security Council. The small size of a country often means that internal consultations proceed faster, and there is increased flexibility, as well as closer relations and trust between political leadership and diplomats in the field. Both the UAE and Latvia strive to be elected and leverage this opportunity to contribute to international peace and security with their own agendas. Both have similar aims. The UAE believes the UN is only as strong as the Member States that make up the organization. That is why the UAE continues to support reforms to make the UN fit for purpose as the key international institution that can uniquely deal with contemporary challenges and geopolitical realities. Likewise, Latvia believes that the working methods of the UN need to be adjusted, and discussions must continue on UN reforms, including UN Security Council reform, so that a more effective organization can deliver on the ground. The UAE represents not only a region full of opportunities for the youth, with modern and technology driven view, but also a region whose conflicts have dominated much of the Security Council’s agenda.While Middle Eastern countries comprise only 12 percent of UN Member States, nearly 30 percent of Security Council meetings are focused on the region. The UAE believes that the United Nations and the Security Council remain indispensable platforms for resolving conflict and promoting peace and security, particularly in the Middle East. Latvia has taken a firm position in response to various crises in the Middle East region by condemning interference in the internal affairs of other countries, urging the immediate adoption of national sanctions, and condemning human rights breaches, political violence, and electoral irregularities. Moreover, the ongoing pandemic has also proven to be a threat to global security and became a matter of great importance in the UNSC during 2020. However, with the continuation of the pandemic and persistent challenges to global stability, the Security Council will need to continue working on a COVID-19 response during 2021 as well. The UAE has already shown its strength globally with its tremendous humanitarian response to COVID-19 through aid provided to over 129 countries. The UAE could accomplish so much more as a non-permanent member of the UNSC. The UAE was a non-permanent member of the Security Council once before and hopes to proudly serve again as a member of this vital international body maintaining peace and security, advancing the empowerment of women and youth, and promoting renewable energy and managing the impact of climate change. In this milestone year, both countries are demonstrating that they are heading in the same direction—not only concerning the UN Security Council, but on other aspects as well, including technological advancement, youth involvement and women empowerment. Working to achieve similar objectives in the UN Security Council shows the true unity of the two friendly nations and the power of small states when their resources are combined.