Stagnation at the United Nations Security Council: mired in the past since 1945.
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres, has once again called for the reform of the Security Council, expressing concerns over its legitimacy and effectiveness. The current composition of the Council, unchanged since its establishment in 1945, has become a point of contention due to its lack of reflection of today's world.
The Security Council consists of 15 member states, including the five permanent members - China, Russia, the UK, the US, and France - and 10 non-permanent members elected for a two-year term. As of 2025, the non-permanent members include Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia.
Guterres' call for reform is not a new stance. He has consistently advocated for changes, particularly in regards to the right of veto, a factor in the Security Council reform process. The Secretary-General has shown support for proposals to limit the veto power in the Security Council in cases of mass human rights violations. This stance aligns with the sympathies expressed by France and the UK for similar proposals.
However, it is important to note that the final decision on Security Council reform lies with member states. While Guterres' call for reform does not override the decision-making power of member states, his stance has added weight to the ongoing debate.
The UN Secretary-General's belief that the current composition of the Security Council does not reflect today's world is shared by more than 50 UN member states who have never been members of the Security Council. This imbalance has led to calls for a more representative Council, one that truly reflects the global community.
Despite his advocacy, Guterres has not yet taken any action to implement the reform of the Security Council. The Council's composition, according to the UN Secretary-General, still reflects the realities of 1945, a stark contrast to the diverse and complex world we live in today.
The last election for the 10 non-permanent members of the UN Security Council saw countries selected by regional groups, with their two-year mandates beginning on January 1 of the year following the election. The specific countries elected most recently and the exact start date of their terms are not detailed in the available search results.
The UN Secretary-General's stance on Security Council reform does not exclude the possibility of limiting the veto power in certain situations. This is a significant shift in the ongoing debate, indicating a potential path towards a more equitable and effective Security Council.
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