The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, held this month, has been marked by significant discussions on global issues. As in earlier years, there was considerable focus on the much-debated reforms in the United Nations Security Council. Dubbed the ‘Summit of the Future’, the assembly session brought together world leaders to address pressing challenges such as climate change and the ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza. The summit also highlighted the need for a more inclusive multilateral system to tackle these challenges effectively.
The UNGA 2024 session has been a decisive moment for the international community, as it seeks to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. The deliberations were characterised by a mix of optimism and urgency, with leaders emphasising the need for collective action to address global challenges.
The ‘Summit of the Future’ is the brainchild of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. In an attempt to leave a legacy, Guterres has called it a “once in a generation” opportunity to reform not just the UN, but also other international organisations such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Problems with UNSC
Of all the organs of the UN, the one in need of the maximum reform is the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). While the body has had some notable successes over the last seven decades, notably in peacekeeping operations, its overall track record has been dismal.
The UNSC has faced difficulties in responding to non-traditional security threats such as climate change, terrorism, and pandemics. These issues require cooperative strategies that transcend national borders, yet the UNSC often remains fixated on state-centric military conflicts. This narrow focus detracts from its ability to effectively address the root causes of instability.
Moreover, the UNSC’s inability to resolve some of the world’s most protracted conflicts—the Israel-Palestine conflict for instance, where in spite of the numerous resolutions passed over the years, none have led to lasting peace—raises questions about the Council’s legitimacy and effectiveness as a mediator.
Most of these failures stem from the unreasonable power wielded by the five permanent members of the UNSC, the P5, and their veto power. In a world that champions democracy, the UNSC is inherently the most undemocratic entity possible.
Apropos, calls for reform have been growing louder with each passing year, with many countries advocating for a more inclusive and representative Council. The primary issues at the heart of the reform debate include the expansion of the Council’s membership, the inclusion of more permanent members, and the limitation or abolition of the veto power, which goes against the grain of natural justice.
However, this debate has been ongoing for more than a decade with no real progress on the ground, primarily because of the lip service being paid to the matter by the P5.
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Need for reform
Key reforms over which there exists broad understanding and consensus among member states include:
Expansion of membership: One of the most widely supported proposals is the expansion of the Council’s membership to include more permanent and non-permanent members. This would better reflect the current global power dynamics and ensure a more equitable representation of different regions and countries.
Inclusion of new permanent members: India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan—the G4 nations—have been strong contenders for permanent membership. These nations argue that their economic and political influence, as well as their contributions to international peace and security, warrant a permanent seat on the Council. India, with its strong track record in UN peacekeeping operations, is a natural choice for a seat at the high table.
Limitation of veto power: Another critical aspect of the reform debate is the limitation or abolition of the veto power held by the five permanent members. The veto power has often been used indiscriminately, giving primacy to narrow domestic considerations rather than global interests, to block crucial resolutions and hinder the Council’s ability to respond effectively to global crises. Removing it would make the Council more democratic, while simultaneously reducing the clamour for, and the importance of, a permanent membership.
Regional representation: There is also a push for greater regional representation, particularly from Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. This would ensure that the Council reflects the diverse perspectives and interests of different regions. Africa, in particular, the largest of the continents and home to most conflicts requiring UN intervention, is totally unrepresented.
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Challenges remain
Despite widespread support for UNSC reforms, several challenges remain. The primary obstacle is the requirement for any amendment to the UN Charter to be approved by a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly and ratified by all five permanent members of the Council. This means that any proposal to limit or abolish the veto power would need the consent of the very countries that hold it.
Additionally, the member states hold differing views on the specifics of the reforms. Some countries advocate for a comprehensive overhaul of the Council’s structure. Others prefer a more incremental approach, such as increasing the number of permanent members but leaving the veto power intact—a proposal more likely to find favour with the P5. These differing perspectives have made it challenging to reach a consensus on the way forward.
Whatever the case, there is an urgent need to at least table a proposal in the General Assembly outlining the broad contours of the reforms without going into the specifics of the countries involved.
At the UNGA 2024 session, several key developments have taken place regarding UNSC reforms:
India’s push for permanent membership: Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India’s permanent representative to the UN, has reiterated its call for a permanent seat on the Council, emphasising the need for documented negotiations and highlighting India’s contributions to international peace and security.
Finland’s proposal: Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has called for significant changes to the UNSC, including ending the single-seat veto power of permanent members and doubling the Council’s membership. He argued that these changes are necessary to ensure a more effective and representative Council.
The ‘Global South’ perspective: Countries from the ‘Global South’ have been vocal about the need for a more egalitarian multilateral system. They have called for reforms that enhance their voice, power, and interests in global governance, particularly in areas such as debt relief, development aid, and climate financing.
The path to UNSC reforms is fraught with challenges, but the discussions at UNGA 2024 have highlighted their urgency and importance. The need of the hour is to move beyond debate and draw out a time-bound road map for formulating and implementing the UNSC reforms that have been stalled far too long.
General Manoj Mukund Naravane PVSM AVSM SM VSM is a retired Indian Army General who served as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)