Geopolitical divides fueling Security Council inaction, Guterres warns

What the report says

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used a news conference on Wednesday to press for reform of the UN Security Council, arguing that geopolitical divisions among major powers are preventing the body from acting effectively on major crises. Speaking in comments reported by Al Jazeera, he said some Council members are themselves violating international law, contributing to what he described as paralysis, and that the balance of power no longer reflects current global realities.

Guterres linked the Council’s inaction to several conflicts and international challenges. He said peace in the Middle East remains impossible without resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and reiterated support for a two-state solution. He also raised concern about the war in Ukraine, saying a ceasefire is essential and offering to help facilitate peace talks at the UN General Assembly if the relevant parties agree.

The UN chief also warned about artificial intelligence, calling for a coordinated global approach to address risks from fast-moving technology. In broader remarks, he framed the issue as part of a wider need for international cooperation at a time of conflict, climate pressures and rising inequality. The comments underscore long-running calls for Security Council reform, a subject that has drawn attention because of repeated deadlock on major wars and humanitarian crises.