António Guterres warned the Security Council today that the international system is facing its deepest crisis since 1945.
Deepening mistrust, the proliferation of AI-driven autonomous weapons, and record-high military spending are undermining the UN Charter.
The Secretary-General explicitly cited the lack of African representation on the Security Council as a “historic injustice” fueling instability.
Full transcript of Guterres’ remarks https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statements/2026-05-26/secretary-generals-remarks-the-united-nations-security-council-upholding-the-purposes-and-principles-of-the-un-charter-and-strengthening-the-un-centred-international
Worldwide arms race
Beyond the conflicts, the Secretary-General warned of what he described as a destabilising global arms race unfolding alongside cuts to development and humanitarian aid.“Global military spending is at record levels, even as deadly weapons get cheaper to produce and resources for development and humanitarian needs get slashed,” he said.
At the centre of his remarks was a call to restore confidence in multilateral institutions through diplomacy, accountability and reform.
Shun double standards
He urged Member States to invest more heavily in conflict prevention and mediation, uphold international law “without selectivity” or “double standards”, and reform global institutions to reflect modern geopolitical realities.“Global institutions must reflect today’s realities – not those of 1945,” he said, pointing to the absence of permanent African representation on the Security Council as “a historic injustice” that undermined the body’s legitimacy and effectiveness.
Mr. Guterres concluded with a direct appeal to Council members to move beyond rhetoric and act collectively to preserve international peace and security.
“The world is watching – and demanding action, not just words,” he said.