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Civil Society Organizations have called on member states to seize the momentum from the Pact for the Future to reform the UN Security Council emphasizing the need for inclusivity and equity to address the challenges of modern-day conflicts.
Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America and a member of the UN High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism noted that the UNSC’s current structure is increasingly viewed as ineffective in addressing contemporary global conflicts, from Ukraine to Sudan. According to Slaughter, the political deadlock in the Council due to geopolitical divides has sparked frustration and demand for change, especially among younger generations.
“We have a rare opportunity to make meaningful reforms now, driven by the momentum of the Pact for the Future,” said Slaughter. “This moment, unlike previous efforts, offers a substantial chance for genuine progress.”
Slaughter highlighted the principles laid out by the Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism, which include transparency, equity, and meaningful representation. These principles provide the framework for UNSC reform, ensuring that Africa and other underrepresented regions gain an equitable voice in global security matters.
Ambassador Lazarus Kapambwe, former Permanent Representative of Zambia to the UN, reflected on Africa’s longstanding position on UNSC reform, emphasized Africa’s demand for permanent membership in the Security Council and the abolition of the veto—or, at a minimum, ensuring African nations holding permanent seats would have veto powers.
“Africa remains the only continent without representation in the UNSC’s permanent category, despite accounting for more than 70% of the Council’s agenda,” Kapambwe said. “This historical injustice cannot continue. Africa must have a voice in decisions that deeply affect the continent.”
Speakers at the meeting stressed that without significant reform, the UN risks becoming obsolete by 2045, the organization’s 100th anniversary. Yet, they also expressed optimism, noting that a shift in global governance takes time but remains achievable.