United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed strong optimism that Africa will secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council by the end of his second term in December 2026. This statement comes as part of Guterres’ ongoing push for greater African representation in global decision-making bodies.
In South Africa for discussions on how the UN can assist the country in its upcoming G20 Presidency, Guterres met with International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola in Pretoria. Following the meeting, the UN chief emphasized that 2025 must be a year of significant justice for Africa, with a focus on addressing the continent’s key challenges.
Guterres noted that South Africa’s leadership of the G20 presents a vital opportunity to advance the African agenda on the world stage, particularly in areas of economic development and international policy. He called on the global community to support the continent’s aspirations, ensuring Africa’s concerns are adequately addressed in the global governance system.
As part of his broader strategy to address Africa’s developmental needs, Guterres recently appointed a high-level expert group, including former South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, to tackle the continent’s growing debt crisis. The group has been tasked with finding innovative solutions to alleviate Africa’s financial burdens and stimulate sustainable growth.
In his remarks, Guterres also called for urgent reforms to multilateral development banks, stressing the need to expand their lending capacities in order to better support developing countries, particularly in Africa. He argued that such reforms are essential to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that the global financial system works for all nations, not just the developed world.
Beyond economic issues, Guterres highlighted the Just Energy Transition as a priority for the G20 under South Africa’s leadership. He emphasized that Africa, with its abundant renewable energy resources, must be positioned as a central player in the global transition to clean energy. However, he warned that the continent’s progress could be hindered by ongoing conflicts and the threat of terrorism, which remain significant obstacles to stability and development.
One of Guterres’ most pressing concerns is Africa’s continued lack of representation on the UN Security Council. He reiterated that the absence of a permanent African seat is “completely unacceptable,” underscoring the need for urgent reforms to ensure that the continent has a greater voice in international decision-making on peace and security.
Guterres is expected to meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa later this week before continuing his trip with a visit to Lesotho.