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UN Secretary-General criticizes US approach to international order
António Guterres has accused the United States of prioritizing its own influence over international law, stating that Washington believes multilateral solutions are no longer relevant. In an interview with BBC Radio 4, the UN chief argued that the global body's founding principles, including the equality of member states, are under threat.
US actions spark concerns over UN effectiveness
Guterres highlighted recent US moves, including a military strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president, as well as President Donald Trump's repeated threats to annex Greenland, as examples of a broader disregard for international norms. He questioned whether powerful nations were using their leverage to achieve lasting solutions or merely short-term gains.
"There is a clear conviction that multilateral solutions are not relevant," Guterres said. "What matters is the exercise of power and influence-sometimes in alignment with international law, but not always."
UN Security Council reform urged amid veto deadlocks
The UN chief criticized the Security Council's structure, calling it outdated and ineffective. He pointed to vetoes by permanent members-the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK-as a major obstacle to resolving conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza.
"Three European countries hold permanent seats, which no longer reflects the world's diversity," Guterres said. He called for reforms to "regain legitimacy" and ensure broader representation, while also advocating for limits on veto powers to prevent gridlock.
Guterres defends UN role amid Gaza aid restrictions
On the war in Gaza, Guterres acknowledged the UN's limitations but stressed that Israel had repeatedly blocked humanitarian access. "Whenever Israel prevented us from entering Gaza, we couldn't deliver aid," he said. He noted that during a ceasefire, the UN was prepared to facilitate a "massive flow" of assistance but required proper conditions.
Guterres also referenced Israel's decision to bypass the UN by backing an external contractor, the Gaza Humanitarian Organisation, which led to deadly incidents as Palestinians sought food at distribution sites.
Trump's UN criticism and global tensions
President Trump has previously dismissed the UN's relevance, claiming in a 2025 General Assembly speech that he had "ended seven unendable wars" without the organization's help. "Later, I realized the UN wasn't there for us," he said.
Guterres, who will step down at the end of 2026, acknowledged the UN's struggles to enforce international law but remained optimistic. "If we don't confront the powerful, we will never achieve a better world," he told the BBC.
Calls for reform as multilateralism erodes
In his annual address to the General Assembly, Guterres warned of a world "brimming with conflict, impunity, and inequality," citing "brazen violations of international law" as a key challenge. He argued that the UN's 1945 framework is ill-equipped to address 21st-century crises, from Venezuela's leadership change to Iran's crackdown on protests.
Despite the growing skepticism, Guterres urged global leaders to defend multilateralism. "People are sometimes reluctant to challenge the powerful," he said. "But without that confrontation, progress is impossible."
