UN Chief: Africa's Lack of Permanent Security Council Seat 'Unjust'

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed calls for UN Security Council reform, declaring Africa's lack of a permanent seat "unjust and indefensible" in his final General Assembly opening address. Speaking on September 22, Guterres noted the Council's post-World War II design and that most of Africa was under colonial rule in 1945. He urged change, amid African Union demands for permanent seats under the Ezulwini Consensus. Guterres also warned of four global "tests of power": war, inequality, climate change, and AI governance. His address precedes a leadership transition with seven candidates, including no woman, vying to succeed him.