Speaking at a China-convened Council ministerial debate dedicated to upholding the UN Charter and strengthening multilateralism, Guterres described the UN Charter as “a survival guide for humanity”, while stressing that its fundamental principles are now under attack. “deep tensions” in a context of increasing conflicts and worsening geopolitical rivalries.
“Today we are facing the greatest number of conflicts since the creation of the United Nations,” he declared before the ministers and diplomats gathered at the Council, where more than a hundred countries were to speak during this debate chaired by the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi.
The meeting comes as concerns grow over the future of multilateralism and growing tensions between major powers over the interpretation and application of international law.
A challenge to international law
The UN chief warned of “a dangerous erosion of respect for international law”, saying that fundamental principles such as state sovereignty, territorial integrity and the prohibition of the use of force are today “contested or ignored”.
“The violations remain unaddressed. Impunity is spreading,” he denounced.
The Secretary-General spoke of a series of interconnected global crises testing the resilience of the international system established after the Second World War.
Among the challenges cited are growing geopolitical distrust, increased military spending, artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons, attacks on human rights, worsening inequality and the climate crisis.
“These seven challenges are linked together,” he explained. “And they put to the test the very resilience of the Charter.”
Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the Security Council during its open debate on maintaining international peace and security.
Un Conseil de sécurité divided
Guterres also said divisions within the Security Council weaken its ability to respond effectively to global crises.
“Too often, this Council fails to act with unity and determination,” he said. “When the Security Council is divided, the consequences are felt far beyond this room.”
The Secretary-General cited ongoing wars and growing tensions in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan, warning of any risk of further escalation.
He said he was “deeply concerned” by the recent Russian announcement of “constant and systematic” strikes against Ukrainian military targets, after reports of a Ukrainian drone attack against a university building and a dormitory in Starobilsk, in occupied by Russia.
“More than ever, it is imperative to avoid any escalation in a conflict which has already inflicted a devastating toll on civilians,” he insisted.
Mr. Guterres also mentioned the announced expansion of Israeli operations in Lebanon, the persistent violations of the ceasefire in Gaza as well as the uncertainties surrounding negotiations between the United States and Iran.
A global arms race
Beyond the conflicts, the head of the UN denounced a global arms race which he considers destabilizing, even as funding intended for development and humanitarian aid is decreasing.
“Global military spending is reaching record levels, while deadly weapons become cheaper to produce and resources devoted to development and humanitarian aid are reduced,” he said.
At the heart of his intervention was also a call to restore confidence in multilateral institutions through diplomacy, accountability and reforms.
The Secretary-General urged member states to invest more in conflict prevention and mediation, to apply international law “without selectivity” or “double standards”, and to reform global institutions so that they reflect current geopolitical realities.
“Global institutions must reflect the realities of today – not those of 1945,” he said, calling the lack of permanent African representation on the Security Council “a historic injustice” that undermines legitimacy and the efficiency of the organ.
António Guterres concluded with a direct appeal to Council members to go beyond rhetoric to act collectively in favor of international peace and security.
“The world is watching – and demanding action, not just words,” he said.
Check out the different interventions covered by the United Nations Meetings Coverage Section team below.
