UN Secretary-General Guterres Urges Security Council Reform and Membership Expansion on 80th Anniversary

On the occasion of the United Nations' 80th anniversary, Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent reform of the UN Security Council, emphasizing that its current structure and veto system undermine its legitimacy and effectiveness in maintaining global peace and security. He stressed the need to expand membership to better represent regions like Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific, which bear significant peacekeeping burdens yet lack permanent seats. Guterres warned that without a Security Council fit for purpose, the world faces grave danger, as states acting outside the Charter erode trust in the institution. The Secretary-General highlighted that the Council's mission is about human lives and suffering, not just the interests of great powers, urging the "privileged few" members to honor this responsibility. Member states, including Russia, Guyana, and the United States, expressed differing views during the debate, with calls for greater global representation, operational reform, and transparency in the selection of the next Secretary-General. Despite challenges, Guterres remains committed to pressing for reform through diplomatic channels to ensure the Council can meet the challenges of the next 80 years.