Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Lula and Guterres Demand Security Council Reform Over Global Inaction
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke first at this year’s United Nations debate.
He said the Security Council is not doing enough to solve major world problems.
Lula said this makes people around the world feel trapped by the council’s inaction.
He also promised to protect Brazil’s upcoming elections from people who might try to damage them.
He said Brazil has a strong election system, public oversight, and a free press.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said the Security Council needs to change.
He explained that the council was created after World War II, but the world is now very different.
Both leaders said the council should better match today’s global situation.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the Security Council’s inaction has left the world “held hostage.”
Lula criticized the council while opening the 81st United Nations General Assembly debate in New York.
He vowed to protect Brazil’s upcoming elections from domestic and foreign “enemies of democracy.”
Lula said Brazil’s electoral system is supported by public oversight and a free press.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for Security Council reform to reflect today’s world and address current challenges.
- Who
- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
- What
- They criticized the Security Council’s inaction and called for reforms to make it more effective and representative.
- When
- Tuesday, during the opening of the 81st United Nations General Assembly debate; Guterres’s second term ends in December 2026.
- Where
- New York.
- Why
- Lula said the council’s inaction has left the world “held hostage,” while Guterres said it must reflect today’s world and meet current geopolitical challenges.
- Main speaker
- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
- United Nations event
- Opening of the 81st General Assembly General Debate
- Location
- New York
- Security Council
- A 15-member body created in the aftermath of World War II
- Lula’s election pledge
- To prevent domestic and foreign forces from undermining Brazil’s upcoming elections
- Guterres’s tenure
- His second five-year term as United Nations Secretary-General ends in December 2026
- Shared issue
- Calls for Security Council reform and criticism of its current effectiveness