Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed a high-level Security Council debate convened by China, warning that wars and growing geopolitical divisions represent a dangerous erosion of the world order. He described the UN Charter as "a survival guide for humanity" but said its core principles are under profound strain amid escalating conflicts and diplomatic tensions across multiple regions. Guterres noted that the number of conflicts is at the highest level since the UN’s inception, with over 100 countries expected to participate in the debate chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the Security Council president for May.
Guterres warned of mounting disrespect for international law, stating that foundational principles such as sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of the use of force against states are being challenged or ignored. He pointed out that violations often go unpunished and impunity is spreading. The UN Charter, signed in 1945, established the fundamental rules governing relations among states and created the UN’s main organs, serving as the legal foundation for the post-World War II international system.
The Secretary-General identified several interconnected global issues testing the endurance of the international system, including escalating geopolitical mistrust, rising military expenditure, advances in artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons, assaults on human rights, growing inequality, and the intensifying climate crisis. He stressed that these combined challenges are placing significant pressure on the Charter’s resilience.
Additionally, Guterres expressed concern about divisions within the Security Council that undermine its effectiveness in responding to global emergencies. He stated that when the Council is divided, it has far-reaching impacts beyond its chamber, limiting its ability to act with unity and purpose.