UN Secretary-General Calls for Reforms Reflecting Current Global Realities

UN Secretary-General Calls for Reforms Reflecting Current Global Realities

UNGA 78: A Call for Institutional Reform

During the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78), Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the immediate need for international institutions to undergo reforms reflecting the current global realities. The Secretary-General warned that these institutions, established in 1945, risk becoming part of the problem if they fail to adapt to the extensive changes that the world has seen since their establishment.

Expanding the UN Security Council

Guterres advocated for the expansion of the UN Security Council to include the African Union, amplifying his ongoing call for reform of financial institutions and the council. He used the Russian invasion of Ukraine as an example of the violation of the UN Charter, which has left every nation in a state of insecurity. Guterres emphasized the significance of upholding the peace commitment embodied in the UN Charter and warned about the destructive consequences when nations break these commitments, such as the human rights violations and widespread destruction seen in Ukraine.

The Looming Threat of Global Warming

Global warming was highlighted as an urgent threat in the Secretary-General’s speech. He stressed that the observed climate changes were just the beginning and called for decisive action to combat the planet’s overheating. He articulated that climate change is more than a shift in weather patterns – it is a force altering life on Earth, leading to death and devastation in communities worldwide. He drew attention to rising sea levels, retreating glaciers, the spread of deadly diseases, species extinction, and threats to cities due to climate change.

Inadequate Actions and the Urgency of the Climate Crisis

During his term, Guterres, who prioritized climate and environmental issues, argued that the steps taken to mitigate the climate crisis are grossly inadequate. He underscored the urgency of the situation, associating record-breaking temperatures with broken economies, shattered lives, and nations on the brink of collapse. He questioned whether all leaders are truly feeling the heat of the crisis, urging them to act with the urgency required.