New Delhi: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is set to use his upcoming BRICS Summit address to call for reforms in major global institutions, arguing that the international system needs to better reflect the political, economic and demographic realities of the modern world.

Guterres is scheduled to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. He is expected to speak about the growing importance of a multipolar international order and the need for stronger multilateral cooperation.

UN Institutions Need to Reflect Today’s World

According to Guterres’ spokesperson, the UN chief is expected to point out that the global institutions established after World War II were designed for a very different international environment.

He is likely to argue that today’s economic strength, population distribution and geopolitical influence have changed considerably since 1945. As a result, international institutions need to evolve to reflect these changes.

Focus on Security Council and Financial Institutions

The proposed reforms are expected to include the UN Security Council as well as major international financial institutions associated with the post-war system.

Guterres is also expected to highlight the role of multipolarity in creating a better balance within international governance. However, he is expected to stress that a more multipolar world will require effective and representative multilateral institutions.

BRICS Gaining Greater Global Importance

The UN chief’s planned participation comes as BRICS continues to expand its membership and influence in global economic and diplomatic affairs.

The summit is expected to bring discussions on international cooperation, economic development, sustainability and global governance to the forefront.

Guterres is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with several leaders during his visit, including senior leaders from BRICS member states.

A Call for Stronger Multilateral Cooperation

The UN secretary-general’s message is likely to focus on making global decision-making more representative while maintaining cooperation between countries.

His participation at the BRICS summit could therefore add an important institutional-reform dimension to discussions involving the future of global governance.