Sydney, Sept. 21 (SANA)Australian Prime MinisterAnthony Albaneseannounced Monday that his country will run for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2029-2030 term.

The announcement launches Australia’s campaign for one of two seats allocated to the Western European and Others Group.

Speaking to reporters in New York on the sidelines of theUNGeneral Assembly, Albanese said that if elected, Australia would have an opportunity to help shape international responses to issues affecting Australians. Australia last served on the Security Council in 2013-2014, according to Reuters.

Albanese said he expected “very strong support” from Pacific island nations and Southeast Asian countries, adding that his relationships with world leaders would support Australia’s campaign.

He also identified rapid developments in artificial intelligence and the effects of climate change as among the major global challenges expected to influence international priorities by the end of the decade.

Australiais competing with Finland for one of the two seats allocated to the Western European and Others Group. Other regional groups, including Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, will also put forward candidates.

The UN Security Council has 15 members, including five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States – and 10 non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms. Five non-permanent members are elected each year.