UN chief asks Security Council members to overcome divisions

23/7/2025 7:50

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday asked UN Security Council members to overcome their divisions.



He made the appeal in his remarks to the Security Council at an open debate on multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes, saying that the council's members, particularly its permanent members, "must continue working to overcome divisions."



Despite the Security Council's complex agenda and even in the darkest days of the Cold War, the collective dialogue and decision-making in the council underpinned a common and effective system of global security -- successfully deploying a range of peacekeeping missions, opening the door for vital humanitarian aid to flow to people in need, and helping prevent a third world war, Guterres said.



"I urge you to summon this same spirit by keeping channels open, continuing to listen in good faith, and working to overcome differences and building consensus," he said.



Guterres also called for reform of the Security Council.