Preparing for the United Nations Security Council: Canadian approaches to policy development

Abstract

In the run up to Canada’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Global Affairs Canada undertook thorough policy preparations to prepare for a potential term. Notwithstanding the unsuccessful vote on Canada’s candidacy, sharing our approach to policy design is worthwhile so that current and future policymakers can replicate these efforts and learn lessons from our experience. Indeed, transparency and openness are critical to the functioning of liberal, democratic institutions; seeing “how the sausage is made” can improve public perceptions of government accountability, which is critical in a time of waning trust in institutions. Given the wide breadth of issues that UNSC member states must be ready to engage on, the team designed a cross-cutting approach to policy development which ensured that stakeholders were able to provide valuable input to help shape Canadian positions. This process involved the crafting of “signature initiatives” and position papers to advance Canadian priorities in a structured and effective manner over the course of the potential UNSC term.