As world leaders gather for the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a firm call for reform of the UN Security Council, warning that the current structure undermines global cooperation and hampers urgent collective action.
What Happened
In a statement issued ahead of his participation in the General Assembly in New York, President Ramaphosa emphasized that the UN’s relevance and credibility are under threat due to its failure to adapt to modern geopolitical realities.
He pointed to the escalation of global conflict, widespread poverty, and a faltering climate response as key areas where the UN has struggled to meet its mandate.
“The number of global conflicts is at its highest since the end of the Second World War. Nearly half of the 1.1 billion people living in acute poverty are in conflict-affected countries,” the President wrote.
Official Response
South Africa has consistently advocated for reforms to the Security Council to make it more representative of the Global South and reduce the dominance of the five permanent members who wield veto power.
The President noted that these five members who represent a minority of the world’s population continue to paralyse global decision-making, even in the face of clear violations of international law.
“Efforts at reform, such as expanding permanent membership and restricting veto powers, have stalled and must be reinvigorated,” said Ramaphosa.
He emphasized that multilateralism is essential for addressing global poverty, protecting human rights, and ensuring long-term peace and development.
Community Impact
While the speech was aimed at the international stage, its implications resonate deeply within South Africa and other countries in the Global South. Ramaphosa’s message reinforced the nation’s commitment to international justice, climate action, and global health, particularly in the wake of declining global funding and growing inequality.
