UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is advocating for the reform of the UN Security Council to ensure that Africa is fairly represented in the decision-making process. During a high-level debate, Guterres emphasized that the current composition of the UNSC is outdated and does not reflect the changing world. He pointed out that Africa, with a population of over a billion people, lacks a permanent voice in the council.
The UNSC consists of five permanent members with veto power, while the remaining 10 nonpermanent seats are allocated regionally. Guterres and other leaders, including UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, have called for Africa to be given two permanent seats in the UNSC and the removal of the veto power.
Professor Carlos Lopes, a former high representative for the African Union, noted that the current geopolitical climate has made it favorable for Africa to push for better representation in international organizations. He highlighted that African countries have become more assertive in negotiations and are seeking to align themselves strategically to ensure better representation.
Guterres’ calls for reform come as the UNSC continues to address global security and development challenges. The push for Africa’s fair representation in the council reflects the need to ensure that all regions have a voice in shaping international policies.
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