Antonio Guterres has renewed calls for major reforms at the United Nations, saying Africa deserves stronger representation within the global organisation’s leadership structure.
Speaking in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, Guterres said the current structure of the UN Security Council no longer reflects modern global realities. According to him, Africa continues to face a “historic injustice” because no African country holds a permanent seat on the council.
The UN Secretary-General made the remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the United Nations complex in Nairobi.
Guterres Says UN Must Reflect Today’s World
Guterres explained that the global institution was designed nearly 80 years ago and needs urgent reform to match present-day geopolitical realities.
“We need deeper reforms of global institutions that reflect the world as it is today, not as it was 80 years ago,” he said.
He stressed that Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership on the Security Council weakens fairness and global representation.
The five permanent members of the Security Council are currently the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. These countries hold veto powers that allow them to block major resolutions.
According to Guterres, meaningful reform remains difficult because the current permanent members would need to agree to reduce some of their influence.
Security Council Reform Remains Difficult
While acknowledging the challenges involved, Guterres said some countries have already shown support for limited reforms.
He pointed to efforts by France and the United Kingdom to reduce the use of veto powers during extreme humanitarian crises such as genocide and large-scale atrocities.
The UN chief warned that rising geopolitical tensions across the world are making peacekeeping and global diplomacy more difficult.
“It’s important to say that reform is absolutely necessary,” Guterres stated.
He added that the world needs a stronger and more effective Security Council to address growing international conflicts and instability.
UN Expands Nairobi Operations
During his visit, Guterres also launched a major expansion project at the UN offices in Nairobi.
The project is valued at about $340 million and forms part of broader efforts to relocate more UN operations away from expensive centres such as New York and Geneva.
According to Guterres, Nairobi offers a more cost-effective location for global UN operations.
“It’s good business for the UN,” he said.
The Nairobi campus currently hosts more than 80 UN offices and over 4,000 staff members. The expansion is expected to strengthen Kenya’s role as a major diplomatic hub in Africa.
Global Pressure on UN Funding
The reform conversation comes at a time when the United Nations is facing growing financial pressure.
Recent cuts in humanitarian funding by the United States government have increased calls for cost-saving measures across the organisation.
Analysts believe the Nairobi expansion reflects the UN’s strategy to improve efficiency while increasing its presence in Africa and other developing regions.
Antonio Guterres’ renewed call for UN reform highlights increasing global pressure to modernise international institutions and give Africa a stronger voice in world affairs. As debates over Security Council reform continue, African leaders are expected to intensify demands for permanent representation and greater influence in global decision-making.
