The United Nations must be reformed to increase African representation, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday as he laid the foundation stone for an expansion of the UN campus in Nairobi.
Guterres reiterated his long-standing call for changes to global governance structures, stressing the need for institutions that reflect today’s geopolitical realities rather than the world order established 80 years ago. He specifically highlighted the United Nations Security Council, stating that a “historic injustice” persists in denying Africa permanent representation.
However, he acknowledged that reform remains difficult, as it would require agreement from the Council’s five permanent members — United Kingdom, China, France, Russia, and the United States — all of whom would need to accept changes that could dilute their own veto powers.
He pointed to limited but ongoing efforts, including proposals by the United Kingdom and France to restrict veto use in cases involving mass atrocities such as genocide. Guterres said such measures are “steps in the right direction,” but emphasized that broader reform is essential given increasing global divisions and the need for an effective Security Council capable of maintaining international peace and security.
His remarks came during a visit to Kenya for a summit co-hosted by France and Kenya, bringing together African leaders and business representatives to discuss global governance and development issues. During the visit, Guterres also inaugurated the expansion of the UN’s Nairobi campus, a project aimed at consolidating UN operations and reducing costs by relocating some functions from New York and Geneva.
