Editor’s Note: Kaitlyn Hladik is a young expert in the Global Governance Innovation Network. This commentary is part of the GGIN’s Next Generation Experts series, which aims to elevate youth research and writing. Kaitlyn Hladik’s interests and research center on mass atrocities, multilateralism, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.

By Richard Ponzio, Director, Global Governance, Justice & Security Program

UN Member States and civil society agree the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) needs reform; upcoming UN Secretary-General (SG) elections may be a catalyst for that change. Although the SG cannot directly change the Security Council, they should be prepared to lead in rebuilding the institution to meet contemporary challenges by shaping the politics around UNSC reform through setting the agenda, fostering dialogue, and creating political pressure. Candidates face a significant challenge: The UNSC has the power to advise for or against a candidate, and the Permanent 5 Members of the Council (P5) have the power to veto. Any platforms that target the power of these Member States may jeopardize a candidacy, giving the SG candidates limited ability to advocate while maintaining essential P5 support.  

The Need for Change 

Since the UNSC’s creation, its power structure has seldom changed from the one created in 1945, despite growing from 51 to 193 Member States (including from 4 to 54 African Member States), leaving the organization outdated. Although seats have been allocated to regional groups, including Africa, the non-permanent nature of these seats demonstrates unjust power dynamics. Critics of the Security Council’s design point out its colonial roots, which has led to a lack of representation and reinforced power solidified by the victors of World War II. 

The (P5) are often criticized due to tensions with UN Charter principles of equal rights and sovereign equality, evident in its hierarchical structure and the veto’s interference in democratic processes. P5 members often use the veto to prioritize political interests, inhibiting the Council’s ability to address global crises, prevent mass atrocities, and maintain peace, causing distrust in the institution and impunity. With global conflict on the rise, the UN must be effective in fulfilling its responsibilities (including maintaining peace, addressing instability, and advancing development) to remain legitimate and relevant. 

Action Toward Reform 

The Pact for the Future — adopted by UN Member States at the 2024 Summit of the Future by consensus — outlines UNSC reform in Actions 39-41, acknowledging the need for a “representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic, and accountable” Security Council that can maintain and restore international peace and security and collaborate with the General Assembly. In the Pact, Member States agreed to decide on the future of the veto, including potentially limiting its scope, and enlarging the Security Council to be representative of UN membership, particularly through the representation of small- and medium-sized states. 

Various states and regional organizations have called for and proposed UNSC reform measures, such as the African Union’s Common African Position, France and Mexico’s proposal to reduce veto power in cases involving mass atrocities, Uniting for Consensus’ regional group proposal, and the Veto Initiative (adopted by UNGA in 2022), requiring Member States to justify their use of the veto in front of the General Assembly. The Article 109 Coalition, an international coalition of academics, governments, and activists, garners support for reform by advocating for invoking Article 109, which empowers Member States to update the UN Charter to meet contemporary international challenges through a General Conference, which was supposed to occur by the tenth session, as called for by the Charter; it is now almost the 81st session.  

Despite Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN), reform initiatives, and commitments made in the Pact, minimal progress has been made. 

UNSG Candidates on UNSC Reform 

By the end of 2026, a new UN Secretary-General will be elected. The SG is elected by the General Assembly, which includes 193 Member States, after being recommended by the UNSC. The P5 has the power to veto a candidate’s election to the position, effectively allowing the UNSC to select a candidate that does not disrupt the P5’s interests or threaten their power. 

Keeping quiet on concrete plans — especially as they may have to do with decreasing the power of the P5 (i.e., through modifying veto power to avoid deadlock on addressing global challenges or increasing the number of permanent seats to address representation and power imbalances) — may be strategic to avoid jeopardizing a candidate’s position in the race. Here is what candidates have shared so far:

Michelle Bachelet (Chile, nominated by Chile, Brazil, and Mexico; Chile withdrew nomination)

Bachelet vocalized the need for greater representation in the UNSC, mentioning that with more geographic representation, effectiveness is possible. In the role of SG, she will be active in shaping the agenda — primarily through the good offices and by facilitating conversations with Member States and the P5 — but leaves it to Member States to make the final decision on reform. 

Macky Sall (Senegal, nominated by Burundi)

Sall identifies the SG’s power to push the agenda, despite challenges in UNSC reform. He specifically identifies the need for greater representation in the UNSC and its enlargement, including reforming the P5 to include a permanent African seat and better reflecting smaller states’ interests in major decisions. Sall mentions challenges to a lengthy reform process and the need to balance engagement in discussions while maintaining effectiveness. Sall also calls on Member States to refrain from exercising the veto in cases of major human rights issues and war. 

Rebecca Grynspan (Costa Rica) 

Grynspan commits to ambitious structural reform to defend the legitimacy of the UN, particularly through UNSC reform. In her vision statement, and reemphasized in her interactive dialogue, she states: “A council that better reflects today’s world will carry greater weight in it.” Grynspan does not offer a definitive plan.

María Fernanda Espinosa (Ecuador, nominated by Antigua and Barbuda)

Espinosa responds to questions about UNSC reform by pointing to the Pact for the Future and ongoing debates to advance its proposals. She understands that as SG her role would be to provide impartial support to advance the process and improve the UNSC’s impact in maintaining peace and security. Additionally, she says that the SG should provide the necessary support and employ good offices in cases where international law and the principles of the Charter are not complied with. 

Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett (Guyana)

Birkett prioritizes implementation over systemic change. She plans on using the Pact and UN80 initiatives as guides for UNSC reform. In her interactive dialogue, she points out that reform initiatives in the IGN are Member State-driven, and the SG will be responsible for providing support. She acknowledges the support for reform and existing consensus illustrated in the Pact. 

Rafael Grossi (Argentina)

Grossi’s goal is efficient delivery on peace and security rather than foundational reforms. He favors constant dialogue with the UNSC, identifying the need for the SG and UNSC to work closely together. When discussing reform, he underscores the need for the process to be guided by a clear purpose, specifically, serving humanity. When asked about the Common African Position during his interactive dialogue, Grossi said he respects the position and understands the widespread recognition of the need to address imbalances in African representation. 

Olara Otunnu (Uganda)

Otunnu joined the race for SG on July 26, 2026, and has not participated in any interactive dialogues or made any comments regarding UNSC reform in his vision statement.

Reform as a Pathway to Legitimacy 

Reform of the Security Council will be critical to restore the legitimacy of the UN and its ability to resolve conflict, lead global governance, protect civilians, and prevent violence. The new SG must be able to lead effectively amid distrust, bridge divides among disgruntled states, and spark genuine conversations to advance global commitments such as the Pact for the Future and the Sustainable Development Goals. Ultimately, an SG’s ability to facilitate reform and address the demands of Member States and civil society to enhance effectiveness and accountability will contribute to greater trust and legitimacy, restoring its relevance and place in global governance.