UNITED NATIONS, Sept 22: UN Secretary General António Guterres has called for reform of the UN Security Council, saying the powerful 15-member body must better reflect present day geopolitical realities and strengthen its legitimacy and effectiveness.
Speaking at the opening of the General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly, Guterres made the appeal during his final high level UNGA address as Secretary General. His second five year term ends on December 31, 2026.
Guterres said the Security Council was created in the aftermath of World War II, but the international system has changed substantially since then. He particularly highlighted Africa’s lack of permanent representation, calling for the continent to have a stronger role in the Council.
He said reform should make the Council more representative, transparent and reflective of current geopolitical realities. The UN chief also backed the ongoing General Assembly led intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform.
Guterres linked the reform debate to wider changes in global power, pointing to the emergence of new economic, political and technological centres of influence. He warned that existing global governance structures continue to reflect arrangements established decades ago.
He also described the world as moving towards a multipolar system and cautioned against increasing fragmentation, mistrust and rivalry between competing blocs. Instead, he called for stronger international cooperation based on shared rules, international law and interconnected institutions.
The Secretary General also highlighted major global challenges, including conflicts, inequality, climate change and the rapid development of artificial intelligence. He urged countries to strengthen collective action and ensure that technological advances are governed responsibly.
Guterres’ remarks come amid continuing discussions among UN member states on expanding and reforming the Security Council. A UN reform paper issued earlier this year noted broad support for greater representation of developing countries and recognised Africa’s longstanding demand for a larger role in the Council.