SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council, asserting it is no longer equipped to handle contemporary global challenges. Speaking at the UN’s Summit of the Future in New York on Sunday, Ramaphosa criticised the current structure of the council, labelling it outdated and unrepresentative.
‘The Security Council is clearly no longer fit to address today’s global challenges,’ Ramaphosa told world leaders. ‘Placing the fate of the world’s security in the hands of a select few, while the vast majority bear the brunt of these threats, is unjust, unfair, and unsustainable.’
Outdated structure
Ramaphosa highlighted the need for a more inclusive global governance system, pointing out that the Security Council’s current configuration excludes many nations from having a say in critical global security issues. He argued that the council does not represent the perspectives of all countries, particularly in addressing crises like ongoing conflicts and climate change.
He emphasised that the council’s inability to integrate diverse views hinders effective global action. ‘The structure does not reflect the diversity of the world and fails to consider a broad spectrum of viewpoints,’ Ramaphosa said.
Pact for the future
During his address, Ramaphosa described the UN’s adoption of the Pact for the Future as an opportunity to revitalise multilateralism and fulfil long-standing promises to reform global governance, including the Security Council and international financial institutions. He also called for greater support for Africa’s development agenda, known as Agenda 2063, which outlines a strategic framework for the continent’s growth and development.
‘This pact is a chance to reinvigorate the multilateral system and finally implement the reforms we’ve been advocating for, particularly in global governance,’ he added.
Sustainable peace and justice
Ramaphosa stressed the importance of achieving sustainable peace, emphasising the need for international action grounded in the rule of law. ‘We must pursue just and sustainable peace based on international law,’ he said, referencing his government’s move to take Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over alleged genocide in Gaza.
Ramaphosa’s remarks have intensified global discussions around the need for a more inclusive and representative Security Council, reflecting the growing consensus that reform is necessary to address modern-day challenges.
