Ban Ki-moon Calls for Security Council Reform and Stronger UN Leadership for Peace | United Nations

Former UN Secretary-General and an emeritus member of the Elders, Ban Ki-moon, said that to truly promote leadership for peace, the international community must fundamentally reform and reinvigorate the Security Council. Ban spoke at the Council’s meeting under the theme of Maintenance of international peace and security: Leadership for peace. The former UN chief said, “I am of the view that UN leadership must more confidently reassert its active political role in diplomacy for peace, including mediating and settling crises.” “Member States must support this role, and guard against situations in which only powerful countries dictate political settlements. And this needs to start here, in this Council, in this Chamber,” Ban added. He suggested that the next Secretary-General should be empowered by a single, seven-year term, explaining that two five-year terms leave the Secretary-General overly dependent on this Council’s Permanent Members for an extension. Ban also highlighted that the Council “must be made fit for purpose for the twenty-first century world, rather than the twentieth century.” He said, “The Council has long been plagued by divisions and disruptive tactics. But the irresponsible way many States now disregard their obligations today is especially concerning. “ In particular, some Permanent Members of this Council regularly undermine the UN’s universal peace and security mandate; through their use of the veto to shield themselves, their allies, and their proxies from accountability,” the former UN chief said, He continued, “Without concrete reforms to curb the arbitrary use, and misuse, of veto power by permanent members, the UN's sense of helplessness will not be overcome. Civilians will remain unprotected in conflict. Impunity will still reign.”


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