On the first working day of the new year, the UN Headquarters hosted a ceremonial installation of flags for the newly elected non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2026-2027, DKNews.kz reports.
The event was organized by the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to the UN.
In front of the Council chamber, national flags were placed by:
- Bahrain
- Colombia
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Latvia
- Liberia
This marked the official start of their mandate.
A tradition that began with Kazakhstan
The ceremony was first introduced in January 2018, when Kazakhstan chaired the Security Council.
The idea was clear:
- turn a technical change of flags
- into a symbolic and public event
Since then, the ceremony has been held every year on the first working day of the Council and has become part of its working culture.
On 26 December 2025, the Security Council formally recognized the ceremony as an official annual event, making Kazakhstan’s initiative part of its institutional practice.
Why it matters
Opening the event, Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Kairat Umarov, stressed that amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, the role of the UN and the Security Council is becoming even more critical for peace, security and sustainable development.
The UN perspective
Speaking on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, Khaled Khiari highlighted:
- the central role of the Security Council in global security
- Kazakhstan’s contribution to trust and dialogue
- the importance of continuity and transparency in the Council’s work
A call for joint action
Abukar Dahir Osman, Permanent Representative of Somalia and President of the Council for January 2026, urged member states to work together and respond collectively to emerging global threats.
New members thanked Kazakhstan for organizing the ceremony and outlined their priorities for 2026-2027.
How the Council is structured
The Security Council consists of:
- 5 permanent members
- 10 non-permanent members elected for two years
For new members, the ceremony symbolizes the solemn beginning of their mandate and their shared responsibility before the international community.
A Kazakh detail that remains part of the ceremony
In 2019, Kazakhstan donated specially crafted flag stands decorated with traditional Kazakh ornaments.
They continue to be used at the ceremony today.
