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United Nations

President Ramaphosa Calls for UN Reform and Enhanced Multilateralism

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the United Nations (UN) to actively enforce international law and human rights standards, emphasizing the need for enhanced multilateralism in the face of global challenges. As the UN commemorates its 80th anniversary, the President highlighted the organization's struggle to meet its mandate due to competing national interests and lack of political will among member states. He also underscored the need for reform of the UN Security Council to reflect changing global realities, citing its current composition and record of decisions as undermining global cooperation and the UN's legitimacy.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for the UN to actively enforce international law and human rights standards, rather than selectively enforcing them.
  • The President highlighted the challenges facing the UN, including increasing global conflicts, threats to global health and pandemic response, and faltering global climate response.
  • The UN's most "serious hinderance" is the structure and operation of the UN Security Council, particularly the veto powers held by the five permanent members.
  • South Africa has consistently called for the reform of the UN Security Council to reflect changing global realities and promote global cooperation.
  • The President reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to multilateralism and its role in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.

Statistics:

  • The UN is struggling to meet its mandate as contained in the UN Charter.
  • The UN Security Council is hampered by competing national interests, with the five permanent members holding veto powers.
  • The current composition of the UN Security Council undermines global cooperation and the UN's legitimacy.
  • The UN's peacekeeping operations are chronically underfunded.
  • The UN General Assembly will convene this week under the theme: Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration.

Sources:

  • SAnews.gov.za (https://www.sanews.gov.za/s SOUTH-AFRICA/PRESIDENT-ramaphosa-calls-un-Reform-and-enhanced-multilateralism/17017/2025-06-15)
  • President Cyril Ramaphosa's weekly newsletter.

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