Why is deciding whether an issue is procedural or substantive important in the United Nations Security Council?

Distinguishing between procedural and substantive matters is critical in the United Nations Security Council because it determines the voting requirements for a decision.12

• Procedural matters: Decisions are made by an affirmative vote of any nine members.12
• Substantive matters: Decisions also require nine affirmative votes, but these must include the concurring votes of the five permanent members. Consequently, any of the five permanent members can exercise veto power to block a substantive resolution.12

Because the classification of a matter dictates whether a permanent member can block it, the determination itself is highly significant. Notably, a vote on whether a specific issue is procedural or substantive is considered a substantive question, meaning the veto power applies to that classification decision as well.12