The Case for UN Reform: Why BRICS and the Global South Must Lead the Change

The global order established after World War II is undergoing a seismic shift. The United Nations (UN), founded on the principles of sovereignty, equality, and peace, remains a cornerstone of international governance. However, as multipolarity emerges and new power centers rise, the structure of the UN—particularly the Security Council—has increasingly come under scrutiny.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in his recent article "UN Charter Should Become the Legal Foundation of a Multipolar World," presents a strong critique of Western exceptionalism and highlights the enduring relevance of the UN Charter. While his arguments about multipolarity and the necessity of adhering to international law are compelling, his defense of the post-Yalta order overlooks a crucial point: The UN, as it currently stands, is not fully equipped to accommodate the evolving realities of the 21st century. The Global South, led by BRICS, must spearhead a reform agenda that ensures fair representation, equitable decision-making, and a truly multipolar world order.

The Strengths and Shortcomings of Lavrov’s Argument

Lavrov correctly identifies that the UN, despite its flaws, has played a critical role in preventing global conflicts and providing a platform for multilateral diplomacy. He highlights the historical injustices of Western neocolonialism and interventionism, citing conflicts in Iraq, Libya, and Yugoslavia as examples of unilateral actions that disregarded international law. These arguments resonate with much of the Global South, which has often been sidelined in major international decision-making.

However, while Lavrov emphasizes the need to preserve the Yalta-Potsdam system, this perspective does not fully address the limitations of the current UN framework. The Security Council, dominated by five permanent members (P5) with veto power, no longer reflects global economic and demographic realities. Lavrov's call for increased representation of the Global South in the Security Council is commendable, but the article does not offer concrete proposals on how to achieve this reform.

Why UN Reform is Urgent

The urgency for UN reform is driven by three fundamental factors:

1. Demographic and Economic Shifts
   The power dynamics of the 1945 world no longer exist. The G7 economies, which have historically dominated global decision-making, are gradually being outpaced by the BRICS nations in terms of GDP (PPP) and economic influence. Despite this, Europe and North America retain disproportionate control over global governance structures, an imbalance that undermines the legitimacy of the UN.

2. Ineffectiveness in Conflict Resolution
   The Security Council’s frequent deadlocks—caused by the veto power of P5 members—have rendered it ineffective in addressing pressing global crises. From Syria to Palestine, the inability to reach a consensus has exacerbated humanitarian catastrophes. Expanding the Council to include permanent members from the Global South would bring fresh perspectives and create a more balanced approach to conflict resolution.

3. Western Overrepresentation in UN Leadership
   Western dominance in the UN Secretariat and other key institutions has led to policies that often align with Euro-American interests rather than the broader global community. The disproportionate number of Western appointees in top UN positions reinforces a structural bias that BRICS nations argue needs urgent correction.

A BRICS-Led Path to Reform

The BRICS bloc has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to lead UN reform by advocating for meaningful structural changes. Several key initiatives should be prioritized:

1. Expanding the Security Council
   BRICS supports granting permanent Security Council seats to major Global South nations, particularly India and Brazil, alongside an African representative (South Africa or Nigeria). This would ensure fairer geographical representation and bring diverse perspectives to global security debates.

2. Reforming the Veto System
   While Russia strongly defends the veto, a compromise could involve requiring at least two permanent members from different regions to support a veto. This would prevent unilateral obstruction while maintaining checks and balances within the Council.

3. Decentralizing UN Institutions
   Relocating UN agencies to BRICS countries—such as São Paulo, New Delhi, or Johannesburg—would symbolize a shift towards a more multipolar governance structure. Establishing new UN-affiliated institutions in the Global South would further diversify decision-making processes.

4. Reducing Financial Dependency on the West
   The Global South must work towards reducing reliance on Western funding for UN programs. The establishment of a BRICS-led Development Fund within the UN could provide an alternative source of financing, allowing more autonomy in policy decisions.

5. Coalition Building with the Global South
   BRICS must strengthen alliances with regional organizations such as the African Union, ASEAN, and CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States). By forming a united front, they can increase pressure for reform and challenge the status quo more effectively.

Conclusion

Lavrov’s article rightly emphasizes the importance of international law and the UN Charter in maintaining global stability. However, merely defending the existing system without advocating for necessary reforms risks perpetuating an outdated and imbalanced order. The BRICS nations, alongside the broader Global South, have a historic opportunity to redefine global governance. Rather than simply counteracting Western influence, they must champion a new multilateralism—one that prioritizes inclusivity, fairness, and sustainable global cooperation.

The future of the UN, and indeed the global order, depends on its ability to evolve. If meaningful reforms are not undertaken, the risk of fragmentation and declining legitimacy will only grow. The time for BRICS to lead this transformation is now.