Published on: 2026-05-27
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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The UN Charter remains a “survival guide for humanity,” but today its principles are undergoing serious tests. This was stated by Secretary-General António Guterres while speaking at an open high-level debate of the Security Council devoted to strengthening the international system based on the central role of the United Nations.
According to the Secretary General,The UN Charter was createdafter a devastating world war as a promise that “the power of law should prevail over the law of the strong,” and international disputes should be resolved by peaceful means.
Guterres reminded that the principles of this document have contributed over decades to the prevention of a new world war, the limitation of the nuclear arms race, the advancement of human rights, decolonization, and the development of states.
However, today, he emphasized, international law is increasingly ignored, and its violations go unpunished.
Threats to the international system
The Secretary-General listed seven main threats facing the modern world.
Among us is the blurring of international law principles, deepening geopolitical disagreements, as well asescalation of conflicts. According to Guterres, today there are the greatest number of armed conflicts in the world since the founding of the UN.
“I am deeply concerned about the recent statement by the Russian Federation regarding the intention to deliver successive and systematic strikes on Ukrainian defense enterprises in Kyiv—as well as on decision-making centers and command posts—following reports of attacks by Ukrainian drones.”on the college building and dormitory in the Ukrainian city of Starobilsk, which is currently occupied by the Russian Federation, – the Secretary-General stated. – On Friday, we condemned the attack on an educational institution – just as we condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur.
“Today, more than ever, it is important to avoid further escalation of the conflict, which has already led to devastating consequences for the civilian population and risks pushing the prospects for peace even further away by prolonging people’s suffering,” he added.
At the same time, according to the Secretary-General, Israel announced the expansion of the military operation in Lebanon, ceasefire violations in Gaza continue, and there is uncertainty surrounding negotiations between the US and Iran aimed at resolving the conflict in the Persian Gulf region.
The UN Secretary-General also warned about a new arms race. Military expertsreached record levels, while at the same time deadly weapons are becoming cheaper and more accessible.
He is particularly concerned about the rapid development of artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons systems, which outpace the possibilities of international regulation.
Another threat was called a violation of human rights by the Secretary General.
“All over the world, we see how civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights are limited deliberately, strategically, and even with pride,” he said.
In addition, Guterres pointed to the problems of sustainable development and the climate crisis, which is becoming a “multiplier of threats” and a source of tension between states.
Necessary reforms
According to the Secretary-General, overcoming these problems requires efforts in the sphere of conflict prevention and peacekeeping, adherence to all norms of international law, and reform of international institutions.
He paid special attention to the reform of the UN Security Council.
“A Security Council that does not reflect contemporary geopolitical realities cannot fully fulfill its responsibilities,” Gutierrez emphasized.
As an example, he cited the absence of permanent representation of Africa in the Council, calling it a “historical injustice” that undermines trust in the body and reduces its effectiveness.
The Secretary-General also called for strengthening the multilateral system as a whole and more actively using conflict prevention and peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms — negotiations, mediation, arbitration, and other instruments provided for by the UN Charter.
Political will
The Secretary-General emphasized that no institutional reforms can replace the political will of the state.
He reminded that the UN Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of states, and also requires disputes to be resolved by peaceful means.
“The Charter remains the best hope of humanity for peace,” Guterres stated. “But its strength depends on the commitment of those responsible for its observance.”
In conclusion, he called on the members of the Security Council to “act in the interest of peace,” restore trust through leadership and compromise, and ensure that the UN truly remains a “forum for seeking solutions, a defender of international law, and a force for peace and security.”
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