Secretary-General pushes UN reform, urges broader Security Council representation

The Secretary-General used an 80th-anniversary commemoration in London to call for a reformed United Nations that reflects today’s balance of global power. In remarks summarized at the UN briefing, the Secretary-General warned that as “global centers of power shift,” the world can become “either more fair or more unstable” and urged strengthening multilateralism and respect for international law.

A UN spokesperson said the Secretary‑General “pushed for reform of the UN system to reflect the world of 2026 and not 1946,” and emphasized his desire for broader representation so more countries “can feel that they are included in the Security Council.” The spokesperson added that the specifics of any change are for member states: "it is not the role of the Secretary‑General to advocate for one member‑state plan over another," and that charter amendments require agreement among member states.

Journalists at the briefing asked whether a newly discussed “Board of Peace” was intended to replace the Security Council or the UN. The spokesperson said the Board had been authorized by the Security Council for work on Gaza and that the UN would “work in line with that resolution,” but that the exact relationship would depend on how the Board is ultimately constituted. The spokesperson also noted that the Secretary‑General met recently with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss Ukraine, Sudan, and UN reform.

The briefing framed reform as both a strategic necessity and a practical question for member states. The Secretary‑General’s public comments and subsequent exchanges with journalists underline the distinction officials drew between advocating reform as a principle and endorsing specific membership plans, which remain the province of UN member states.

The UN spokesperson closed by noting the Secretary‑General’s continued diplomatic engagements and by thanking member states that had completed regular budget payments.