Philippines urges Security Council reform, calls for more representative UN

Maria Teresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, told the General Assembly that the United Nations must reform the Security Council to remain effective. She urged that the Council become "more representative, transparent, and accountable," expanding the voices of developing regions across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Lazaro linked the call for institutional reform to the broader need for renewed multilateralism: she argued that rebuilding trust in multilateral institutions is necessary to address conflicts, climate disasters and technological risks. She did not provide a specific reform package or a proposed sequence for amendment, but urged active reflection on the promises of the UN Charter and institutional pathways to strengthen collective decision-making.

In closing, Lazaro voiced support for a historic aspiration: the hope for a woman Secretary-General to "rally nations back to true multilateralism." The speech did not announce any formal Philippine-led proposal on Council membership or procedure.