UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the continued paralysis of the Security Council (SC) and its inability to fulfill its primary purpose, against the backdrop of its “fragile” legitimacy, could jeopardize global peace.
Modern.az reports that the Secretary-General addressed permanent representatives at the UN headquarters in New York on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the UN's founding. He spoke via video link from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, during open discussions on how the UN should act in an uncertain future.
The Secretary-General noted that the SC, as the UN's primary p for maintaining international peace and security, possesses significant powers, including imposing sanctions and authorizing military operations. At the same time, five of its 15 members hold permanent seats and veto power in accordance with the UN Charter. Although the Council plays a central role in peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and upholding international law, its veto system has frequently stalled actions and drawn criticism. The structure of the SC is considered unrepresentative by many countries and high-ranking officials, leaving regions like Africa and Latin America permanently voiceless.
Regarding those who have appealed to the Council to end wars for 80 years, A. Guterres stated: "The privilege of sitting at this table carries, above all, the duty to protect the faith of those people. Without a fit-for-purpose Security Council, the world is in grave danger."
The UN chief expressed his thoughts on how Council decisions can affect the planet's inhabitants: “The Security Council does not belong to hegemons and empires. It is about parents who have lost their children, refugees cast far from their homes, soldiers who have sacrificed their limbs. In every inch of this hall, you are surrounded by the spirits of the dead. But beside them stands something else – the hopes of the living. Listen carefully, and you will hear the cries of your citizens rallying for peace, the whispers of families yearning for security... The emblem of the United Nations bears not the victor's laurel wreath, but the peacemaker's crown of olive branches.”
He noted that violations of the UN Charter by some member states undermine trust and jeopardize global stability, stating that the Council's legitimacy remains fragile.
The Secretary-General called for the creation and expansion of membership to better reflect global demographics, including permanent representation for Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The Permanent Representative of the United States focused on operational reforms and accountability during the discussions and called for a merit-based selection of the next Secretary-General, who will assume leadership in January 2027. He also emphasized the primacy of national sovereignty and transparency in the selection process.
The US representative called for an end to the selection process based on regional rotation and argued that it is time to choose from a global pool of candidates.
