Statement: LWF Council Statement on the Reforms of the United Nations Security Council

Date 15 June 2026 
FOUNEX, Switzerland 

The Council reaffirms the vision for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world, and the God-given dignity of every human being and the responsibility of all nations to work together for the common good and the wellbeing of people and the planet. In a world where human suffering is too often ignored and politicized, we reaffirm that every human being is created in the image of God. 

Since its establishment, the United Nations has been an indispensable forum for dialogue and action among nations and peoples. The UN has significantly contributed to norms and standards for human rights, sustainable development, and peace. Its positive contributions notwithstanding, the recent failure of the international system to prevent or end wars, protect civilians, uphold international law, and ensure accountability has eroded global trust. These failures represent a political crisis and a moral one.  

In particular, the Council laments the repeated inability of the United Nations Security Council to act decisively and consistently in the face of devastating wars, humanitarian catastrophes, and violations of international humanitarian law. The paralysis caused by geopolitical divisions, vested interests and the use of veto power by the current five permanent members of the UN Security Council has too often led to inaction or prevented timely action for the protection of human life and the pursuit of peace.   

The Council welcomes renewed international efforts to reform the United Nations and global governance structures, notably through the adoption of the Pact for the Future at the United Nations Summit of the Future in September 2024, which recognized the urgent need to make the Security Council “more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable.” The Council however rejects efforts that undermine multilateralism and inclusive global governance, such as the recently established Board of Peace.   

The ongoing intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform must address the underrepresentation of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and most of Asia. Currently, the Security Council reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945 rather than today’s world. Scriptural witness empowers the marginalized, holds leaders accountable, opposes social oppression, and works towards the common good. The Council therefore reaffirms UN Security Council reforms that foster principled cooperation international law, human rights, rule of law, solidarity, and civil society participation.   

The Council calls on governments and the international community to:

• Renew their commitment to strengthen the United Nations and to ensure that global governance is responsive to the realities and needs of all peoples, especially those most affected by armed conflict;  
• Engage constructively and in good faith in the ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council reform and the wider UN reform Agenda, prioritizing diplomacy and dialogue while remaining courageous in addressing long-standing structural injustices.   
• Enhance transparency, accountability, regional representation, participation of underrepresented countries, and the effectiveness of the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security.