Security Council reform ‘is absolutely essential’: Guterres

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the urgent need to re-establish freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz during a press conference on the final day of his official visit to Japan, marking 70 years of UN cooperation. He condemned ongoing ceasefire violations in the Middle East, which he said are worsening global inflation and exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis through skyrocketing energy and raw material prices. Guterres reiterated his long-standing call for UN Security Council reform, labeling the current structure ineffective and lacking legitimacy. The Council’s five permanent members—China, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Russia—hold veto power, while only one Asian country is represented despite the continent’s population size. He argued that no African or Latin American nations are included, creating a 'serious problem of ineffectiveness' that must be addressed by expanding both permanent and non-permanent membership. The Secretary-General criticized 'superpowers' for violating international law and using their veto to evade accountability, which he said emboldens smaller nations to act without consequences. He cited conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa as examples of escalating violence fueled by this impunity. Guterres framed the UN as the 'one-of-a-kind meeting ground' for peace and sustainable development but warned its strength depends on member states' commitment to upholding its principles. He also highlighted the disparity between rising military spending and cuts to aid funding, which he said disproportionately harms vulnerable populations worldwide. Guterres emphasized that reforming the Security Council is essential to creating a 'fairer, more effective multilateral system' capable of defending international law and holding nations accountable. During the visit, Guterres underscored the importance of global partnership in addressing conflicts, climate change, and inequality. He urged immediate action to end violations in the Strait of Hormuz and create conditions for a political resolution to regional conflicts, framing these steps as critical to stabilizing global security and economic stability.