Guterres Urges SCO to Back More Representative Global

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to help reshape global governance. Speaking at the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, he argued that a more multipolar international order can strengthen multilateralism and better serve developing nations.

Guterres described the current shift in global power dynamics as an opportunity. He said it allows for building more representative international institutions and a United Nations that operates without double standards. The UN chief stated that while power relations have evolved, many institutions still reflect the world of 1945.

A Call for Institutional Reform

"Our world is increasingly multipolar," Guterres told the summit. "That is a good thing and must be strengthened." He framed multipolarity as a condition for justice in global governance and the best support for effective multilateralism.

He called for reforms to multilateral institutions, including the UN and the Bretton Woods financial system. The goal, he said, is to reflect today's realities and increase the representation and influence of developing countries to build a just world order. Guterres also praised the SCO, calling it an important pillar of multilateralism and highlighting the longstanding partnership between the two organizations.

Four Priorities for UN-SCO Cooperation

The Secretary-General outlined four specific areas where he believes cooperation between the UN and the Eurasian security grouping can be deepened.

On global security, Guterres voiced concern over instability in the Middle East. He appealed for maximum restraint and for agreements and international law to be respected. He stressed the need for a peaceful, just, and durable settlement that safeguards international navigational rights around the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.

Regarding Gaza, he said the ceasefire must be respected and called for full implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. He demanded the removal of obstacles to humanitarian aid and renewed his call to end settler attacks and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. "There will only be peace with a two-State solution," he said, envisioning Israel and Palestine as two independent, sovereign, democratic states with Jerusalem serving as the capital of both.

On Ukraine, Guterres said that after more than four years of war, it is time for a full and immediate ceasefire. Such a move, he added, would open the way to negotiations for a just and comprehensive peace.

For financing development, Guterres called for reforms to the international financial system. He argued that developing countries are strangled by unsustainable debt and that the global financial architecture needs more justice and equity. He urged multilateral development banks to become bigger, better, and bolder.

On climate action, the UN chief warned the world is on track to exceed the 1.5°C temperature limit. He called for rapid emissions cuts, a faster shift to renewable energy, and substantially greater financial support for developing countries. "Climate action requires climate justice," he said. He also highlighted the need to manage critical minerals responsibly so producing countries benefit more. "No more plundering," he stated.

Regarding artificial intelligence, Guterres said AI must work for all countries, not only a few. He stressed this will require effective guardrails and more inclusive governance mechanisms.

Meeting with Iran's President

On the sidelines of the summit, Guterres met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. According to a UN spokesperson, the Secretary-General expressed concern over the devastating humanitarian and economic consequences of the conflict in Iran and the wider region.

He stressed the urgent need to resolve the crisis through dialogue and negotiations, with full respect for international law and navigational rights in the Strait of Hormuz. Guterres reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts for a comprehensive solution.