At a time of profound uncertainty for international peace and security, it is an honour to assume this role once again. Denmark looks forward to chairing Council meetings, managing the Council Programme of Work and supporting and strengthening the Council’s ability to uphold its mandate and to make progress on the protracted crises across its agenda. Denmark will seek to steer the Council's work in the same spirit that has guided our membership as an elected member: consistently and constructively. We will lead a focused and ambitious programme, allowing the Council time and space to address urgent developments as they arise.

It is also a unique opportunity to put focus on the cross-cutting and thematic priorities Denmark has consistently advanced. Denmark will convene a high-level open debate on conflict and hunger, examining how the Council can better implement Resolution 2417 to prevent and address conflict-related food insecurity. Building on Denmark's longstanding commitment to a more transparent, inclusive and effective Security Council, Denmark will also convene the annual open debate on the implementation of Note 507 on Security Council working methods. We will bring diverse civil society voices to the Council and meaningfully integrate the Women, Peace and Security and Climate, Peace and Security agendas across our Presidency.

Other meetings include briefings and consultations on South Sudan, Yemen, Libya, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, DPRK and Syria as well as the annual briefing on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. August will also mark an important stage in the selection process of the next UN Secretary-General. Denmark looks forward to presiding over the Security Council's next phase of this important process, reflecting our strong engagement in promoting a transparent and inclusive selection process conducted in close cooperation with the General Assembly.

Denmark looks forward to an exciting month.