In certain cases, nonmember states or nonmember observers of the United Nations are invited to take part in Security Council deliberations. Nonmember states and observers may participate in UN Security Council debate, but they may not vote. Because they are often invited because of either their proximity to or expertise on the issue, representatives of nonmember states or observers may be asked to answer questions and provide background information to the council.

A nonmember state or observer representative’s goals are to

- promote their government’s interests and values at the United Nations, specifically by making speeches and asking questions; and
- when applicable, provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information or insight on the situation under discussion.