Antalya, Turkey – In March 2024, the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) brought together world leaders, diplomats, and policymakers to discuss pressing global challenges, with a particular focus on the need for United Nations (UN) reform. The forum, held under the theme “Advancing Diplomacy in Times of Turmoil,” emphasized the importance of restructuring the UN to ensure greater inclusivity and responsiveness in addressing contemporary geopolitical crises.
A Call for a More Representative UN
Among the key issues raised was the long-standing demand for increased representation of African nations within the UN Security Council (UNSC). Delegates pointed out that the current structure—established in the aftermath of World War II—fails to reflect today’s geopolitical realities. Many argued that Africa, a continent with 54 UN member states and over 1.4 billion people, remains severely underrepresented in global decision-making processes.
The discussions centered on the “Ezulwini Consensus,” a position adopted by the African Union (AU), which calls for at least two permanent seats with full veto power and five non-permanent seats for African nations. Proponents of this reform argue that Africa plays a critical role in international peacekeeping efforts and contributes significantly to global economic and security initiatives, yet it lacks a proportional voice in UN governance.
Balancing Power Dynamics in the UN
Beyond African representation, broader proposals for reforming the Security Council were also debated. Several diplomats voiced concerns over the veto power held by the five permanent members (P5) – the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France. Critics argue that the P5 nations often use their veto to serve national interests rather than global peace, leading to gridlock on key issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East.
Countries from the Global South—including India, Brazil, and Indonesia—called for a more democratic and transparent decision-making process within the UN. These nations emphasized the need to modernize the institution so it can effectively tackle climate change, economic inequality, and emerging security threats such as cyber warfare and pandemics.
Challenges to Reform Implementation
Despite widespread agreement on the need for reform, implementing changes remains a major challenge. Any amendment to the UN Charter requires the approval of two-thirds of the General Assembly (129 out of 193 member states), including all five permanent Security Council members. Given the vested interests of the P5 nations, securing their unanimous consent has proven to be an almost insurmountable obstacle in past reform efforts.
Moreover, some analysts warn that expanding the Security Council could introduce new complexities in achieving diplomatic consensus. Larger membership could lead to more frequent disagreements, potentially slowing down international responses to crises rather than improving them.
What’s Next for UN Reform?
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum concluded with a renewed commitment to pushing for a more equitable and effective United Nations. While no formal resolutions were passed, key takeaways from the discussions are expected to influence future debates at the UN General Assembly and the upcoming 2025 UN Summit on Global Governance Reform.
Many experts believe that continued pressure from regional blocs like the AU, the G20, and ASEAN will be necessary to maintain momentum for meaningful changes. Whether these discussions will lead to actual structural reforms remains uncertain, but the demand for a more inclusive global order is stronger than ever.
As the world faces rising geopolitical tensions, climate disasters, and economic instability, reforming the United Nations remains one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century. The coming years will determine whether global leaders can overcome political divisions and reshape the UN into an institution that truly represents the interests of all nations, not just a privileged few.