At a high-level Security Council debate convened by China, Guterres described the The UN Charter as “a survival guide for humanity” but said its founding principles were now under “deep strain”. as geopolitical divisions deepen and conflicts intensify in multiple regions.
“We now face the largest number of conflicts since the founding of the United Nations,” he told ministers and diplomats in the Council chamber, where more than 100 countries were expected to speak during the signing debate chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Council President in May.
The meeting comes amid growing concern about the future of multilateralism and growing tensions between major powers over the interpretation and application of international law.
Guterres warned that “a dangerous erosion of respect for international law” was developing, with fundamental principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity and the prohibition of the use of force being “questioned or ignored.”
“The violations remain unanswered. Impunity is spreading” said.
What is the UN Charter?
The Charter of the United Nations is the founding document of the United Nations and the legal basis of the post-war international system.
It establishes the basic principles governing relations between States, including sovereign equality, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prohibition of the use of force against another State.
The Charter also established the six principal organs of the United Nations: the General Assembly; Security Council; Economic and Social Council; Trusteeship Council; International Court of Justice; and the Secretariat.
Signed in San Francisco in June 1945 after World War II, the Charter entered into force on October 24 of that year. It has been modified three times since then: in 1963, 1965 and 1973.
Read more about the UN Charter here.
Testing times
The Secretary-General pointed to a series of interconnected global crises that, together, were testing the resilience of the international system created after the Second World War.
Among them, he cited growing geopolitical mistrust, acceleration of military spending, artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous weapons, attacks on human rights, widening inequality and the worsening climate crisis.
“These seven challenges are interconnected,” he said. “And they are testing the resilience of the Charter itself.”
He also warned that divisions within the Security Council are undermining its ability to respond effectively to global crises.
“Too often, this Council fails to act with unity and purpose,” he said. “When the Security Council is divided, the consequences are felt far beyond (this House).”
Wars in Ukraine, the Middle East and beyond
The Secretary-General referenced ongoing wars and rising tensions in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan, warning against further escalation.
He said he was “deeply concerned” by a recent Russian announcement that it intended to launch “consistent and systemic attacks” against Ukrainian defense targets following reports of a Ukrainian drone attack on a university building and a dormitory in Starobilsk, in Russian-occupied territory.
“Now more than ever it is imperative to avoid any escalation of a conflict that has already taken a devastating toll on civilians,” said.
Guterres also cited Israel’s announced expansion of operations in Lebanon, continued ceasefire violations in Gaza and uncertainty surrounding negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the Security Council’s open debate on the maintenance of international peace and security.
global arms race
Beyond the conflicts, the Secretary-General warned of what he described as a destabilizing global arms race unfolding alongside cuts to development and humanitarian aid.
“Global military spending is at record levels, even as the production of deadly weapons becomes cheaper and resources for development and humanitarian needs are sharply reduced.” said.
At the heart of his comments was a call to restore trust in multilateral institutions through diplomacy, accountability and reform.
Avoid double standards
Urged Member States to invest more in conflict prevention and mediation, defend international law “without selectivity” or “double standards”and reform global institutions to reflect modern geopolitical realities.
“Global institutions must reflect the realities of today, not those of 1945,” he said, pointing to the absence of permanent African representation on the Security Council as “a historical injustice” that undermined the legitimacy and effectiveness of the body.
Guterres concluded with a direct appeal to Council members to go beyond rhetoric and act collectively to preserve international peace and security.
“The world watches and demands actions, not just words.” said.