India and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have emphasized the critical need to reform the United Nations Security Council due to the severe challenges faced by the global organization. India’s Permanent Representative P. Harish stressed the necessity of adding permanent members to enhance the effectiveness of international rule of law, especially during times when the core of the organization is under pressure. The call for reform was made during the Council’s high-level open debate on “Reaffirming International Rule of Law.”
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the alarming trend of the rule of law being replaced by chaos globally and urged immediate reform of the Security Council. He emphasized that the Council is the only body capable of making decisions that are binding on all member states in matters of peace and security. Guterres underscored the urgency of enhancing the representation and efficiency of the Council to maintain its credibility and effectiveness.
P. Harish cautioned about the diminishing relevance of the Security Council due to emerging challenges, noting the shift of security discussions to alternative frameworks outside the UN. He emphasized the pressing need for comprehensive reform of the Council to align with modern power dynamics, demographics, and global challenges. Harish highlighted the importance of expanding both permanent and non-permanent categories within the Council to address the evolving global landscape.
US President Donald Trump’s creation of the Board of Peace, seen as a challenge to the UN, was referenced by Guterres and Harish. Trump’s initiative, aimed at forming an alternative coalition, raises concerns about the potential sidelining of the UN in global peace and security efforts. Despite Trump’s assurance of collaboration with the UN, the establishment of such parallel frameworks signifies a shift in the traditional role of the United Nations.
