Secretary-General Guterres Warns of Global Breakdown as Charter Faces “Profound Strain”

United Nations, New York City

Sphinx News: Ahmed Ali

Amid escalating global conflicts and deepening geopolitical divisions, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned the Security Council on Tuesday that the principles of the UN Charter are facing one of the most serious challenges since the organization’s founding.

Speaking during a high-level Security Council debate chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centred International System,” Guterres described the Charter as “a survival guide for humanity,” created in the aftermath of two world wars to ensure that “the force of law must prevail over the law of force.”

“For decades, the values and principles of the UN Charter helped prevent a third world war,” Guterres said. “But today, the purposes and principles of the Charter are under profound strain.”

The Secretary-General outlined seven major threats confronting the international system, beginning with what he described as the erosion of international law and growing disregard for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition on the use of force.

“Violations go unanswered. Impunity is spreading,” he warned.

Guterres also pointed to intensifying geopolitical divisions and increasing paralysis within the Security Council, saying mistrust among global powers has made consensus increasingly difficult during a period of mounting instability.

The UN chief further warned that armed conflicts are expanding in both scale and complexity, citing ongoing violence in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and the broader Middle East.

Expressing concern over recent Russian announcements regarding strikes on Ukrainian defense infrastructure, Guterres reiterated the UN’s condemnation of attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure “wherever they occur.”

“Now more than ever, it is imperative to avoid any escalation of a conflict that has already exacted a devastating toll on civilians,” he said.

He additionally voiced alarm over Israel’s announced escalation in Lebanon, continued ceasefire violations in Gaza, and the uncertain outcome of negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at reducing tensions in the Gulf.

Beyond conflict, Guterres warned of a rapidly accelerating global arms race, record military spending, and the emergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons, which he said pose “new and uncharted risks” to global peace and security.

The Secretary-General also stressed that human rights protections are deteriorating worldwide while inequality, debt, and climate instability continue to intensify global tensions.

“There can be no peace without development,” Guterres declared. “And no development without peace.”

Calling for renewed commitment to diplomacy and multilateralism, Guterres urged member states to prioritize peaceful dispute resolution, accountability under international law, and meaningful reform of global institutions, particularly the Security Council.

“A Security Council that does not reflect the geopolitical realities of today’s world cannot fully deliver on its responsibilities,” he said, describing the lack of permanent African representation as “a historic injustice.”

“The Charter is clear,” Guterres concluded. “Member States shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.”