In a global landscape overshadowed by unrest in Ukraine and Gaza, the imperative need for reforming the UN Security Council has reached an unprecedented peak, according to Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
During the annual discourse of the assembly, where the United Nations' paramount platform for peace and security is evaluated, Francis passionately conveyed that the council's effectiveness and credibility are destined to progressively diminish without fundamental structural reform, as reported by Xinhua news agency on Thursday.
"Violence and war continue to spread in regions across the world, while the United Nations seems paralyzed due largely to the divisions in the Security Council," he stated.
In the face of rapidly changing global dynamics, the council is deemed to be "dangerously falling short" of its mandate as the primary custodian for international peace and security, he warned. Francis emphasized that without structural reform, the council's performance, legitimacy, and the overall credibility and relevance of the UN itself will inevitably suffer.
While the issue of equitable representation has been on the assembly's agenda since 1979, calls for reform have intensified amid the widening global conflicts, underscored the UNGA president.
The September annual high-level debate witnessed a recurring theme of council reform, including discussions on expanding its membership.
Recent crises, notably the Security Council's inability to reach a consensus on the Ukraine and Israel-Palestine issues, have underscored the urgency for reform.
Addressing the assembly, Francis cautioned that gridlock on the Security Council can be as challenging as dealing with chaos, urging fresh, innovative thinking on reforms.
To repair trust, he proposed strengthening solidarity and conciliation, emphasizing the significance of the Summit of the Future next year. Francis called on member states to seize this opportunity to break through entrenched positions and promote Security Council reform through practical steps that enhance effectiveness and represent the full diversity of today's world.
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