In a historic move, the global community has adopted a significant UN reform plan, despite initial resistance from Russia. The pact aims to address critical global issues such as war, climate change, poverty, hunger, and health threats.
It includes declarations to reform the UN Security Council, regulate artificial intelligence, adapt the international financial system, and prevent an arms race in space. Germany, Japan, Brazil, and India are pushing for permanent seats in the Security Council, while Africa is set to receive two permanent seats and a place for small states is proposed.
Though the plan falls short of Secretary-General Guterres' ambitious goals, it offers hope for renewed trust in the UN, as highlighted by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz emphasized the outdated nature of the current Security Council structure and stressed the need for reform.
Despite the complexities of achieving a two-thirds majority and unanimous consent from the five veto powers, 143 nations supported the pact. The General Assembly debates saw leaders addressing ongoing global conflicts, with notable speeches from the Ukrainian President on his victory plan and the Israeli Prime Minister on the Gaza war.
Amid these discussions, the necessity of a reformed and more effective UN was a recurring theme.
