UN chief Antonio Guterres backs demand for expansion of Security Council

At the BRICS summit held on Sunday in South Africa, United Nations Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres publicly supported the long‑standing demand from the Global South to enlarge the UN Security Council. He argued that expanding the council would bring greater balance and equity to global institutions and noted that India has been at the forefront of this initiative.

Guterres made the remarks during a session that also referenced the New Delhi Declaration issued the previous day, in which China and Russia reaffirmed backing for India and Brazil to assume a larger role within the United Nations. The declaration called for a “comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council,” urging increased representation for developing nations from Africa, Asia and Latin America. The current Security Council composition—five permanent members with veto power (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States)—has remained unchanged since 1945.

The call for reform reflects a broader trend of emerging economies seeking a more influential voice in global governance. Proponents argue that the council’s present structure does not mirror today’s economic, demographic and geopolitical landscape, and that a more inclusive body would better address worldwide challenges and support the aspirations of developing countries. If adopted, the changes could reshape decision‑making on international peace and security, affecting diplomatic dynamics worldwide.