Kehinde Adegoke | Agency Report
New York: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the reform of the United Nations Security Council as “absolutely essential,” signalling renewed global pressure for restructuring the world’s top security body.
Guterres made these statements during a press conference in Japan. He spoke on the final day of his official visit. Japan is marking 70 years of cooperation with the UN.
He reiterated his long-standing call to reform outdated international institutions.
“The global problem-solving architecture is not as effective as it must be at this challenging moment. In particular, the UN Security Council and global financial institutions do not work well,” he said.
The UN Security Council has five permanent members. They are China, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Russia. These members possess the right of veto.
The Council also has 10 non-permanent members. They are elected for two-year terms. These members do not have veto power.
He emphasised that reforming the Security Council is crucial.
He called for expanding the number of permanent members, citing that only one Asian country is currently included despite Asia’s significant population. He suggested increasing the representation of regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America among permanent members.
He also expressed concerns that no African or Latin American countries are represented. “This is a serious problem of legitimacy. It is also a problem of ineffectiveness. It is absolutely essential to increase both the number of Permanent Members and the number of non-Permanent Members.”
He said, “This change would make the Security Council fit today’s world. It would reflect the realities we now face.” Guterres also underlined the need for a fairer multilateral system. Such a system should better defend international law. It should hold countries accountable. The UN chief highlighted the importance of partnership. He said this is vital in a world rocked by conflicts, climate chaos, and inequality.”
The Secretary-General noted that mistrust and geopolitical divisions block the development of effective solutions.
Countries are breaking international law with impunity, he said.
The UN chief pointed to superpowers that violate international law. Their actions sometimes create conflicts. They use their veto power in the Security Council to safeguard their interests.
According to him, this reality makes it hard for the Secretariat to contain the dramatic increase in conflicts worldwide. “When the bad example comes from superpowers, other middle-sized powers think they can do whatever they want. They believe they can act without any punishment,” he said.
