UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged for a reform of the Security Council, stating it must reflect current global realities to maintain legitimacy and effectiveness. This statement aligns with India's long-standing push for a permanent seat.
5
Permanent Members
⏳ Time Machine
How today’s news fits into the bigger picture
1945
UN Security Council Formed
The United Nations Security Council was established following World War II with 5 permanent members (P5) and 6 non-permanent members, reflecting the geopolitical power structure of the time.
1965
Council Expanded
The number of non-permanent members on the Security Council was increased from 6 to 10, bringing the total membership to 15. This was the only structural change to the Council's composition.
2004
G4 Nations Formed
India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan formed the G4 group, explicitly seeking permanent seats on the UN Security Council and advocating for comprehensive reforms to the body.
September 2015
India's PM Calls for Reform
Then-Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the UN General Assembly, reiterating India's demand for comprehensive reforms, including expanding the Security Council, to reflect modern global realities.
2021-2022
India Serves on UNSC
India served its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, using its two-year tenure to advocate for stronger and greater inclusivity in global decision-making.
Today
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the Security Council to be reformed to reflect today's world.
What happens next?
Debates and diplomatic efforts around UNSC reform are expected to intensify in upcoming UN sessions.
During his address at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for the Security Council to be reformed. He highlighted that the current structure must evolve to accurately represent today's world, ensuring it possesses the necessary legitimacy and effectiveness to tackle contemporary challenges. This declaration resonates strongly with nations like India, which have consistently advocated for expanding the Council's permanent membership to include more developing countries. The existing setup, largely unchanged since 1945, is often criticized for reflecting a post-World War II power dynamic rather than the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century.
💭 If you're wondering…
The UN General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the United Nations, where all 193 member states have equal representation and discuss a wide range of international issues.
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