The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has shocked the world by declaring that the five permanent members of the Security Council – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – are irrelevant and powerless in the current global situation.
Guterres, who has been leading the UN since 2017, stated that the P5 have failed to uphold their responsibilities and obligations as the guarantors of international peace and security. He claimed that the P5 have been too divided, selfish, and ineffective, and have ignored or vetoed many of the resolutions and initiatives proposed by the other members of the Security Council and the General Assembly.
He also remarked that the P5 have been challenged and surpassed by the emerging powers and actors, such as the European Union, India, Brazil, Turkey, Iran, and even the Vatican. He praised these entities for showing more leadership, creativity, and cooperation in addressing the global issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate change, the human rights, and the humanitarian aid.
Guterres urged the P5 to reform and revitalize their role and contribution to the UN and the world, and to work together with the other members of the Security Council and the General Assembly. He warned the P5 not to take their permanent seats for granted, and to prove their worth and value to the international community.
Guterres also hinted that he might propose some changes to the UN Charter, such as expanding the Security Council, limiting the veto power, or even abolishing the permanent membership altogether. He announced that he would consult with the member states and the civil society on the possible reforms, and that he would present his report and recommendations by the end of his term in 2026.