UN Chief Calls for Immediate Reforms in Security Council, Criticizes External Peace Initiatives

New York: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent reforms in the UN Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing the need to enhance its representation and effectiveness without delay. His remarks came shortly after India criticized the UN’s functioning in global peace and security matters.

While Guterres did not name the initiative directly, his comments appeared to target U.S. President Donald Trump’s recently launched “Board of Peace.”

Guterres’ Statement

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Guterres wrote, “The United Nations Security Council is the only body authorized to act on behalf of all member states on matters of peace and security. It alone takes decisions that are legally binding on all. No other body or ad-hoc coalition can legally compel all countries to comply with decisions on peace and security. This responsibility is unique, and its obligation is universal. That is why reforms are necessary. That is why we must act without delay to enhance the Council’s representation and effectiveness.”

India Raises Concerns

On Monday, amid ongoing geopolitical challenges, India highlighted that the UN is no longer perceived as the sole institution ensuring international peace. Parallel multilateral forums are increasingly being used to achieve outcomes in peace and security. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, during an open debate on “Reaffirming the Rule of International Law: Reviving Peace, Justice, and Multilateralism” in the Security Council, said, “Multilateralism with universal membership, centered on the United Nations, is under pressure. The challenges facing the organization are not merely budgetary. Inertia and ineffectiveness in addressing conflicts remain major shortcomings.”

Guterres’ Subtle Critique of Trump’s Board

President Donald Trump recently launched the “Board of Peace” for Gaza, which is being viewed as a potential alternative or competitor to the UN. Trump has invited several global leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to join the board. The initiative aims to bring lasting peace in Gaza and address global conflicts through a “new, bold approach.” Last week, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump formally approved the board’s declaration, with countries such as Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, and Uzbekistan signing on.