United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an urgent reform of the Security Council, attributing the body’s paralysis to the actions of major powers and widening geopolitical divisions.

Guterres stated that the current structure of the council, where permanent members with veto power are also parties to international law violations, inherently hinders effective action on pressing global issues. He emphasized that the power dynamics within the council no longer reflect the contemporary world.

During a news conference, Guterres highlighted the issue of major powers violating international law while simultaneously occupying seats on the Security Council, which he described as the primary reason for its incapacitation. He stressed that reforming the Security Council and redistributing power to align with current global realities must be an absolute priority.

The UN chief pointed to the ongoing Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territory as a stark example of the Security Council's inaction. He asserted that peace in the Middle East is unattainable without resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and called for an immediate cessation of Israeli ethnic cleansing in the West Bank, noting the gradual annexation and settler violence often supported by Israeli security forces.

Guterres also addressed the devastating war in Ukraine, expressing his willingness to facilitate trilateral peace talks at the UN General Assembly if the key parties involved agree. He underscored the critical need for a ceasefire and the establishment of conditions conducive to a just peace, lamenting the ongoing conflict and its severe repercussions on the global economy.

Furthermore, the UN Secretary-General emphasized the necessity of a unified global vision for managing the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence. He warned against ignoring concerns raised by those at the forefront of AI development, advocating for international cooperation to address existential threats.

He drew a parallel between the risks of unchecked AI development and the climate crisis and deepening inequalities, stating that international cooperation is more crucial than ever to navigate these challenges. Guterres's remarks come amid growing international calls for a more representative and effective UN Security Council.

The Secretary-General's call for reform reflects a long-standing debate about the Security Council's effectiveness and legitimacy in addressing 21st-century conflicts and global challenges, particularly when permanent members' national interests clash.