UN Secretary-General António Guterres has renewed calls for reform of the UN Security Council, arguing that the 15-member body must better reflect today’s geopolitical realities.
Speaking in his final high-level address to the 81st UN General Assembly, Guterres said the international institutions created after World War II no longer fully represent the distribution of power in the modern world. His second term as UN chief ends on December 31, 2026.
Africa’s Permanent Representation at the Centre
Guterres specifically highlighted the absence of a permanent African seat on the Security Council, describing it as “unjust and indefensible.”
The Security Council currently has five permanent members — the United States, China, Russia, France and the United Kingdom — and 10 elected members. Any expansion would require agreement through the UN’s established reform process.
Reform Amid Global Conflicts
Guterres linked Security Council reform to the organisation’s ability to respond effectively to conflicts and international crises.
He pointed to continuing wars and geopolitical divisions, warning that disagreements among major powers have weakened multilateral cooperation. He called for stronger international institutions capable of responding to current security, humanitarian and economic challenges.
AI and Climate Also Feature in Address
Security Council reform was part of a wider speech covering war and peace, inequality, climate change and artificial intelligence.
Guterres called for stronger international cooperation on AI governance, including safeguards around systems capable of making life-and-death decisions. He also urged greater action on climate adaptation and financial support for developing countries.
India and the Wider Reform Debate
Guterres’ comments come as calls for a broader Security Council continue from countries seeking greater representation in the UN’s central peace-and-security body.
India has also been campaigning for permanent membership, with the Visegrád Group countries — Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic — recently expressing support for India’s bid.
The reform process, however, remains dependent on negotiations among UN member states and eventual agreement on changes to the Council’s composition and working methods.
