Reform of the United Nations Security Council: Challenges and Opportunities

Daniele Archibugi, Marco Cellini, Azzurra Malgieri

CNR-IRPPS, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche – Istituto di Ricerche sulla Popolazione e le Politiche Sociali

DOI: 10.36134/PBDSU-2025-14 Download as .PDF

The reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the most debated issues in the international political and diplomatic sphere for at least three decades. The current composition of the UNSC is the result of an outdated geopolitical arrangement, which does not reflect today’s political, demographic, and economic realities. Moreover, the veto power of the permanent members is used for reasons of national interest, blocking crucial resolutions. The lack of representativeness and the abuse of the veto undermine the effectiveness and legitimacy of the UNSC, making it unable to adequately respond to global challenges.

This policy brief, based on the current debate, discusses proposals aimed at improving the functionality of the UNSC: expanding the number of members to include representatives of underrepresented regions and international organizations; limiting the use of the veto; and increasing the transparency and accountability of the elected member states, requiring the members to act in the general interest and not in that of their own state. Furthermore, it is suggested to involve regional organizations, such as the European Union and the African Union, to strengthen the legitimacy and authority of the UNSC.

These changes could significantly improve the representativeness and efficiency of the UNSC, making it a central actor in the resolution of global crises. A more inclusive and democratic UNSC would represent a fundamental step to ensure effective multilateral governance that is responsive to the new global challenges.

How to cite

Archibugi, D., Cellini, M., & Malgieri, A. (2025). Riforma del Consiglio di Sicurezza delle Nazioni Unite: sfide e opportunità (DSU Policy brief 14). CNR-Dipartimento di Scienze Umane e Sociali, Patrimonio culturale. https://doi.org/10.36134/PBDSU-2025-14.

Last updated: 24 June 2025