Guterres renews call for sweeping UN reforms

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has renewed pressure for major reforms to the UN Security Council, describing the move as vital to restoring confidence in global governance.

Guterres said the current structure of the Security Council no longer reflects modern geopolitical realities, noting that many developing nations remain underrepresented in decisions affecting international peace and security.

Speaking during recent discussions on multilateral cooperation, the UN chief stressed that reforming the Council had become “absolutely essential” if the organisation hopes to maintain credibility in a rapidly changing world.

He argued that institutions created after the Second World War must evolve to reflect present-day political and economic realities, especially the growing influence of countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The Security Council currently consists of 15 members, including five permanent powers with veto authority: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia and China. Critics have long argued that the arrangement sidelines large parts of the world, particularly Africa, which has no permanent seat despite representing more than a quarter of UN member states.

Guterres said greater inclusiveness would strengthen trust in the UN system and improve the legitimacy of international decision-making.

Calls for reform have intensified in recent years amid divisions over conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and other global crises that have exposed deep disagreements among major powers.

African leaders have repeatedly demanded permanent representation on the Council, insisting that the continent deserves a stronger voice in global affairs.

Although discussions on reform have continued for years, member states remain divided over the size, composition and powers of a restructured Council. Observers say resistance from some influential nations has slowed progress despite growing international support for change.