Former United Nations Secretary-General and member of The Elders, Ban Ki-moon, has issued a compelling call for reform within the United Nations, warning that the current global security landscape requires an urgent overhaul of the UN’s institutional structures.
As tensions escalate globally, Ban stressed the need for unity among the UN member states to ensure their effectiveness and credibility, particularly in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
Strengthening the UN’s role in peace
In a statement published by The Elders, Ban highlighted the importance of reinvigorating the UN’s capacity to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
According to Ban, the effectiveness of the UN is fundamentally tied to the strength of its member states’ commitment to collective action.
Without greater political will, the UN risks being sidelined in the face of global crises.
“The governance of the UN is an outcome of compromise among its Member States. The UN and its architecture is only as strong as its 193 Member States want it to be.” Ban said.
Moreover, Ban’s remarks align with growing frustration over the UN Security Council’s ability to act decisively, particularly when it comes to conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts in the Middle East and Africa.
Critics have long accused the Security Council of being paralysed by the veto powers of its five permanent members, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
This has often led to inaction or compromised decisions, which Ban believes undermines the UN’s credibility.
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Accountability for nations
Ban also addressed the critical issue of accountability, pointing to the responsibility of permanent members of the Security Council in global conflicts.
The Chosun Ilbo stated in a news report that Ban explained how powerful nations must be held accountable for their involvement or support of proxy forces that exacerbate violence and prolong conflicts.
He stressed that the UN’s role in peacekeeping should not be diminished by the interests of a few influential countries.
Ban’s criticism reflects a broader concern over the UN’s effectiveness in holding powerful nations to account for actions that fuel global instability.
The former Secretary-General called for a more transparent and inclusive approach to decision-making, one that ensures all nations, not just the most powerful, have a say in global peace and security issues.
Call for reform: “Leadership for Peace” open debate
Ban’s call for reform was also echoed during the UN’s “Leadership for Peace” open debate, where world leaders, diplomats and UN officials gathered to discuss the future of the UN’s peacebuilding efforts.
The debate underscored the need for a more collaborative and accountable approach to global governance.
Ban urged the international community to strengthen the UN’s peacebuilding mechanisms, ensuring that the institution remains adaptable and capable of addressing emerging global threats such as climate change, pandemics and transnational terrorism.
Liam McLaughlan 
Paolo Castro 
Shameeka Voyiya