Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits here today, Guterres called for the addition of two African countries and increased Asian representation in the council.
“We have three permanent European members in the council – France, the UK and Russia – and one Asian member (China). No members from Latin America, no members from Africa,” he said.
He said the council continued to face issues with effectiveness, particularly with the individual veto power wielded by its permanent members.
“Two of the countries – the UK and France – have presented a proposal to limit veto power in a certain number of circumstances.
“I think it would be very interesting if the members of the council would seriously consider those proposals,” he said.
His comments on veto power follow similar remarks by foreign minister Mohamad Hasan, who on Sept 27 said at the UN general assembly in New York that there was a need to limit, if not abolish, veto power.
Mohamad had called for authority to “flow back to the general assembly”, which he said “should be allowed to serve as the conscience and voice of the world unimpeded”.
Guterres also said his recent proposal to reduce the UN’s staff for 2026 by 18.8%, from 12,681 posts to 11,594, was not driven by liquidity problems, but by reduced payments from the US.
He said the cuts would not impede support for developing countries, which “on the contrary, will be increased”.
An outdated and unfair global financial system
Guterres said the global financial system was outdated and unfair, and did not adequately represent the needs of developing countries.
“If you compare the Asean economy today with the shares they have in international financial institutions, there is clearly an obvious injustice,” he said.
Calling for reform, he said global governance must become more “inclusive, representative, equitable and effective”.
“This means giving developing countries stronger participation in global financial institutions, including Asean member states,” he said.
He urged the international community to triple the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, and implement new instruments that reduce borrowing costs and risks, speeding up support for countries facing debt.
G20’s responsibility for climate reform
Guterres also urged countries from the Group of 20, which represent 80% of climate emissions worldwide, to lead the way in climate action.
Among others, he urged developed countries to double their funds for climate adaptation to at least US$40 billion this year, and to capitalise the Loss and Damage Fund – a finance mechanism designed to address the adverse effects of climate change – with significant contributions.
“(The G20) must lead, but all countries must do more in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
“In Brazil, leaders must agree on a credible plan to close the emissions gap to 1.5°C and mobilise US$1.3 trillion annually in climate finance by 2035 for developing countries,” he said.