UN Chief Calls for Urgent Security Council Reform

(MENAFN) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday that divisions among major powers are contributing to the Security Council’s inability to act effectively, arguing that changes to its structure are urgently needed.

Speaking at a news conference, Guterres was asked why repeated appeals for respect for international law have failed to produce stronger action. He pointed to deep geopolitical divisions among influential countries and their role within the Security Council.

"We have geopolitical divides, and in these geopolitical divides, we have powers that themselves violate international law and sit in the Security Council," he said.

Guterres argued that these tensions have hindered the council’s ability to respond effectively to international crises and said restructuring the body should be treated as an immediate priority.

"And that has been paralyzing the Security Council, as we know. That is why the reform of the Security Council must be an absolute priority," he added.

He also said the current makeup of the council does not adequately represent the international system as it exists today, noting that its structure was shaped by circumstances from decades ago.

"It is unacceptable to have a Security Council with a composition that reflects the world of many decades ago instead of reflecting today's world, and that is a factor of paralysis," he said.

Guterres further warned that the council’s limited ability to act could encourage governments to disregard international norms. He said the behavior of powerful states can influence how other countries view their own obligations.

"Because the example coming from the biggest powers is not a good example, every country around the world feels that they are entitled to do whatever they want," he said.

MENAFN17092026000045017640ID1111678174