António Guterres, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, has reiterated his call for reforms to the global institution he leads, including the lasting issue of permanent seats in the UN Security Council, the primary decision making body of the UN.
- Currently only the United States (US), China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom (UK) are permanent members of the UN Security Council.
- Permanency gives the member veto powers over any resolution, while all other members serve two-year, non-consecutive terms with no veto powers.
- The imbalance has existed as a result of World War II, but its institutionalization has been challenged multiple times by members of the UN.
“Let’s hope it will be corrected soon,” Guterres said in his speech in the newly renovated Africa Hall in Addis Ababa on Tuesday. He insisted that it is now crucial, especially as there is now a consensus between all Member States that installing “two African members as permanent members of the Security Council” is essential for reform.
“We can only move forward if we also renew and update global institutions, by making them more effective, fair and inclusive,” he added.
