United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has renewed his call for reforms to the UN Security Council, arguing that the body’s current composition does not adequately reflect the geopolitical realities of today.
Guterres made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing the opening of the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The UN chief particularly highlighted Africa’s continued absence from the council’s permanent membership, describing the situation as unjust and indefensible.
According to him, the 15-member Security Council was created in the aftermath of World War II, when the global balance of power was significantly different from what it is today.
He argued that decades of political and economic changes have not been adequately reflected in the structure of the council, making reform necessary to improve its legitimacy and effectiveness.
Guterres’ remarks come as African countries continue to push for greater representation in the UN’s key decision-making institutions.
The reform debate has remained a longstanding issue within the UN, with African states seeking permanent representation on the Security Council as part of broader efforts to make the international system more representative.
Guterres Highlights Global Inequality
Beyond Security Council reform, the UN secretary-general used his address to draw attention to growing inequalities in the global system.
He pointed to the contrast between record levels of global wealth and the large number of people who still lack adequate access to food, clean water, education and healthcare.
Guterres said the problem should not be viewed solely as an economic issue, but also in terms of how access to opportunities and resources is distributed.
He also criticised the international financial system for placing heavy debt burdens on developing countries, many of which are simultaneously dealing with the effects of climate-related disasters.
To address the situation, he called for faster debt relief, stronger multilateral development banks and improved access for developing countries to the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights.
UN Reports Gender Parity Milestone
Guterres also announced that the United Nations had reached full gender parity across its senior leadership, headquarters staff and professional positions for the first time.
He presented the development as an example of progress within the organisation while stressing the need for broader reforms to international institutions.
The secretary-general also addressed other major global challenges, including armed conflicts, climate change and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
He urged countries to strengthen international cooperation and ensure that emerging technologies are developed and used with appropriate safeguards and accountability.
Guterres is due to complete his tenure as UN secretary-general at the end of 2026, making the address one of his final high-level interventions before leaving office.
