French President Emmanuel Macron has thrown his weight behind India’s long-standing bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), advocating for a complete overhaul of the council’s composition and functioning. Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Macron emphasized the need for a more representative and efficient UNSC, stating that the current structure is “blocked.” He proposes an expanded council that would include permanent seats for Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil, along with two African nations chosen to represent the continent.
This strong endorsement from France echoes India’s consistent calls for reform within the UNSC. India argues that the current structure, established in 1945, no longer reflects the geopolitical realities of the 21st century and lacks the necessary representation to effectively address global challenges. Notably, the UNSC comprises five permanent members – Russia, the United Kingdom, China, France, and the United States – and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.
Macron’s call for reform extends beyond just membership expansion. He also advocates for changes in the UNSC’s working methods, including limiting the right of veto in cases of mass atrocities and prioritizing operational decisions crucial for maintaining peace. “The time has come to regain efficiency in order to act better on the ground,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also expressed concerns about the UNSC’s outdated structure and waning authority. He warns that unless the council undergoes significant reform, it will lose credibility and effectiveness. “We can’t build a future for our grandchildren with a system built for our grandparents,” Guterres declared.
Macron’s statement signifies a critical step towards a more inclusive and representative UNSC. His support, combined with India’s persistent advocacy and the growing international consensus on the need for reform, may pave the way for a long-overdue transformation of the UN’s most powerful body.
