Can New Zealand use its seat on the United Nations Security Council to help its business interests, asks Pramuk Perera.
The seat on the United Nations Security Council gives New Zealand voting power which will allow it to play a more active role in international affairs, including allowing for input into collective decision-making regarding imposing trade sanctions, and authorising the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
However, what remains to be seen is whether New Zealand can make use of this seat to make a positive difference in international business during its two-year term.
The world is dealing with a wide array of sensitive post-millennial challenges such as Ebola, IS, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Ukraine.
However, the impact that a small, determined country can make on these challenges should not be underestimated.
All these challenges pose threats to the smooth flow of international business.
Recently, New Zealand pulled out from a trade deal with the Russian Custom Union (Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan) due to the crisis in Ukraine.
This incident highlights a direct consequence of world affairs on international business in New Zealand.
New Zealand is a highly international business-focused nation, with international trade contributing to nearly two-thirds of our economic activities.
The spread of Ebola can threaten people who have invaluable talents necessary for economic development.
Terrorist activities and wars between countries can create enormous threats to lives, businesses and economies.
The reality is these challenges can make some countries no-access zones for business.
Therefore, it is vital for New Zealand to make the world a better place for business, and this directly links to the need for international peace and security.
After World War 2, the world came up with four organisations as a means to avoid another disaster.
The World Trade Organisation was formed to stop unfair economic activities, while the International Monetary Fund was established to control unfair monetary polices.
The World Bank was set up to counter the differences in nations' wealth and income.
The formation of the United Nations in 1945 was aimed at combating the political confrontations.
The Security Council is probably the most powerful organ in the UN. Member states are obligated to implement the decisions of the Security Council.
It recommends to the General Assembly the appointment of the Secretary-general and the admission of new members to the UN.
Furthermore, the Security Council and General Assembly elect the judges of the International Court of Justice.
Promoting the candidacy of Trade Minister Tim Grosser and former prime minister Helen Clark for WTO and UN top positions respectively may help New Zealand achieve its strategic interests in international business.
Quick decision-making is important for business success.
New Zealand will possibly urge the council to employ more flexible working methods so that it can be faster and more responsive in its actions.
Veto power is probably the main course used to delay.
More than 200 resolutions have been vetoed since the formation of the Security Council.
New Zealand may possibly challenge such veto powers.
In 1945, New Zealand strongly opposed the veto power set up during the formation of the organisation, with then prime minister Peter Fraser stating, ''The New Zealand government considers this proposal is not only wrong but ridiculously and absurdly wrong and should not be upheld.''
Prevention is better than cure in business activities.
Having continuously voiced the need to strengthen preventive actions against war and crisis worldwide, New Zealand may recommend more actions to close the gap between rhetoric and reality in world affairs, including wider discussions, follow-ups and monitoring, and a high-level of review of sanctions.
New Zealand may stress the Security Council needs to better reflect geographic balance and geopolitical realities, and to be more transparent and responsive.
As a small island nation, New Zealand will possibly work to establish equality, inclusion and recognition for smaller nations which is important to avoid larger countries using their power to gain unfair advantages in business activities.
New Zealand may also highlight its beliefs that tasks such as extending the rule of law, establishing inclusive governance, and creating early impact employment and economic opportunities must all be part of the overall UN mandate.
New Zealand has now achieved probably the main objective of its foreign policy through its election to the UN Security Council for 2015-16.
This gives great recognition and power to the country in its international affairs.
Though it will not all be smooth sailing, this country will roll up its sleeves and get its hands dirty to make things happen.
• Pramuk Perera is the first doctoral researcher in international business at the University of Otago. He has experience at global organisations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and now in the Pacific.
