New York (SPS) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on the organization's member states to “mobilize the necessary political will” to defend the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.
To this end, he stated that the multilateral system “must be strengthened” in order to meet the demands of today's world.
Speaking at the opening of a Security Council debate on the issue, he urged action on “three fundamental fronts.” The first front, he pointed out, is conflict prevention and the restoration of peace. The second front is “respect for international law,” he added, emphasizing the need to honor commitments without selectivity or “double standards.” The third front concerns ensuring accountability for violations.
The UN Secretary-General also reiterated his call for reform of global institutions so that they reflect current realities rather than those of 1945.
“A Security Council that does not reflect the geopolitical realities of today's world cannot fully discharge its responsibilities,” he said.
He further urged Security Council members to respect and uphold the Charter “in a consistent and systematic manner,” to work in the service of peace, and to restore trust “by charting the way forward and seeking compromise.”
It is regrettable that after 81 years, the United Nations has not truly become a union of nations and has been unable to preserve global peace and stability. It has not even been capable of enforcing its own resolutions.
The United Nations is often viewed as an instrument in the hands of major powers and subject to their will.
