Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden are all making their cases for why they should be elected to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
The three countries yesterday vied for two open seats reserved for the Western group on the 15-member council, with their ambassadors explaining what they planned to do if elected to a two-year term beginning in 2017.
The open debate, which included questions from member states and non-governmental organisations, marks a change in the way the United Nations selects countries for the 10 non-permanent seats on the UN's most powerful body.
In prior elections the debates were held behind closed doors. All 193 member states will vote for the candidates on June 20.
