Nairobi – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for comprehensive reform of the UN system. This reform must ensure more equitable representation for Africa within the Security Council. Guterres asserted that the current system reflects historical imbalances. These imbalances no longer align with today’s international reality.
Guterres made these remarks while laying the cornerstone for the expansion of the UN headquarters in Kenya. Agence France-Presse reported his comments. He emphasized that global institutions must reflect current realities. They should not reflect conditions from 80 years ago. The Secretary-General added that the Security Council suffers from a “historical injustice.” This injustice is the lack of permanent seats for Africa.
Guterres simultaneously acknowledged the difficulty of developing a clear reform roadmap for the Council. Some steps have been proposed. These include attempts to restrict the use of the veto power. This restriction would apply in extreme cases like genocide.
He affirmed that Security Council reform is now an urgent necessity. Geopolitical divisions are increasing worldwide. These divisions complicate the achievement of international peace and security. Guterres stressed the need for a “more effective Security Council.”
This stance comes amid ongoing international discussions on Security Council restructuring. There are repeated calls to grant Africa broader representation. However, progress on this issue remains limited. Any amendment requires the approval of the five permanent member states. This makes the reform process politically and structurally complex.