Michelle Bachelet, a candidate for the top post at the United Nations, has stressed the ‘real need’ for reform of the UN Security Council, calling for broader representation in both permanent and non-permanent categories and pledging to push efforts in that direction.
Bachelet, a former president of Chile, is among four contenders vying to succeed current UN chief Antonio Guterres, whose term ends on December 31 after completing two consecutive five-year tenures.
Speaking on Tuesday, Bachelet said reforming the Security Council is essential, particularly in light of long-standing demands from developing nations such as India, which have argued for a more representative global decision-making structure.
“I think it's a real need for a reform of the Security Council,” she said in response to a question on the issue, highlighting calls for expansion in both permanent and non-permanent membership. India has been at the forefront of such efforts, maintaining that the 15-member Council, established in 1945, no longer reflects current geopolitical realities and is ill-suited to address 21st-century challenges.
New Delhi has consistently asserted that it deserves a permanent seat at the Council’s high table. Bachelet acknowledged that while any reform would ultimately be decided by UN member states, there is a significant opportunity to move forward, particularly following the adoption of the Pact of the Future in 2024, which strongly called for changes to the Council’s structure.
The former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that the Security Council is often perceived globally as ineffective, describing it as a body that is ‘not solving the problem’ and is frequently paralysed by deadlock on critical issues—situations that have direct consequences for millions of people.
She emphasised that meaningful reform must include greater representation of countries that are currently excluded from both permanent and non-permanent membership, arguing that such inclusion is key to breaking persistent gridlock. Without reform, she warned, confidence in the multilateral system itself could erode.
“I will do my best to convince, with my good offices… I don’t have the mandate to do that, but I will do my best to try to convince,” she said, referring to efforts she would undertake if chosen as Secretary-General. She added that there is already a ‘huge movement’ within the UN General Assembly supporting reform, as also reflected in the Pact of the Future.
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During a three-hour interactive dialogue, Bachelet addressed questions from member states and civil society, outlining her vision for the UN’s top role and explaining why she believes she is well-suited for the position. Other candidates in the race include Rebeca Grynspan, former vice president of Costa Rica; Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency; and Macky Sall.
Notably, in its 80-year history, the United Nations has been led by nine Secretaries-General—all men—and has yet to appoint a woman to the position.
The Secretary-General is selected by the 193-member General Assembly based on the recommendation of the Security Council, where five permanent members—China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States—hold veto power.
India last served on the Council as a non-permanent member during 2021–22. In recent years, a deeply polarised Security Council has struggled to respond effectively to major global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine War, the Israel-Hamas Conflict, and the broader crisis in West Asia, highlighting the urgency of reform.
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