UN Chief Guterres Urges Bold Security Council Reform | Quick Digest

UN Chief Guterres Urges Bold Security Council Reform | Quick Digest
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reiterated his urgent call for comprehensive reform of the Security Council, emphasizing its outdated structure no longer reflects contemporary global realities. He warned nations clinging to privileges risk future consequences. India, a long-standing advocate for reform, views this as a crucial step towards its permanent membership aspirations.

UN Chief Guterres calls for urgent Security Council reform.

Current Council structure reflects 1945, not today's geopolitical realities.

Guterres warns clinging to privileges has future consequences.

India actively seeks permanent seat in a reformed Security Council.

Reform crucial for UN's legitimacy and global effectiveness.

Discussions on limiting veto power and expanding membership are ongoing.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a powerful and consistent call for the urgent reform of the UN Security Council, stressing that its current composition is outdated and no longer reflects the geopolitical realities of the 21st century. Addressing the UN General Assembly and in recent interviews, Guterres stated that institutions designed in 1945 cannot effectively solve 2026 problems, and if they fail to adapt, they will lose legitimacy. He warned that nations attempting to cling to long-standing privileges risk significant consequences in the future, urging member states to be bold enough to embrace change. This renewed push for reform comes amidst a backdrop of escalating global conflicts, brazen violations of international law, and widespread impunity, which Guterres describes as creating a 'world in chaos'. He has specifically highlighted the Security Council's 'fragile legitimacy' and 'ineffectiveness' due to its gridlocked nature and unrepresentative structure, which notably lacks permanent voices from regions like Africa and Latin America. Discussions around limiting veto powers and expanding permanent and non-permanent membership are integral to these reform efforts. For India, a founding signatory to the UN Charter, Guterres's strong statements are seen as highly significant. India has long campaigned for a comprehensive reform of the Security Council and consistently asserts its credentials for a permanent seat in an expanded body that accurately reflects contemporary global power dynamics. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has underscored that securing a permanent seat for India remains a top national priority. The UN Secretary-General and his spokesperson have acknowledged India's pivotal role and strong support for multilateralism within the UN system.
Read the full story on Quick Digest