Philippines urges more equitable UN Security Council as global conflicts on the rise

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is calling for the expansion of the United Nations Security Council to between 21 and 27 members to ensure greater representation of developing countries and small nations. 

Enrique Manalo, the Philippines' Permanent Representative to the United Nations, pressed UN member-states to consider reforming the council to reflect the "contemporary composition of the United Nations and principle of sovereign equality," according to a Department of Foreign Affairs release on Monday, October 26.

The UN General Assembly held a debate on October 22 that focused on reforming the structural makeup and veto powers of the Security Council, the body whose mandate is to take action during major geopolitical crises.

During this discussion, the Philippines "reiterated its support for expanding the Council to between 21 and 27 members, while preserving meaningful opportunities for small and medium-sized States to participate in its work."

The Philippines also recognized Africa’s concerns on their lack of representation in the council.

The Security Council's five permanent members were chosen in 1945 based on the dominant Allied powers that won World War II. 

These are the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union (now Russia), the Republic of China and France.

All five countries hold permanent veto powers, which gives them an oversized say in global security decisions. This has often resulted in deadlock when their interests clash with resolutions backed by the council's other members.

On top of the five, there are ten non-permanent members elected to the council for overlapping two-year terms. 

Manila in June lost its bid for the single Asia-Pacific non-permanent seat to Kyrgyzstan. 

Greater transparency, inclusiveness

The Philippines also urged "greater transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in the Council’s working methods," according to the department.

This includes "enhanced participation by elected members and stronger engagement with States affected by Council decisions."

Manalo also urged more regular interaction and consultation between the Security Council and the broader General Assembly.

Global conflict has reached unprecedented levels, with interstate conflicts hitting their highest count since World War II, according to a report by the Peace Research Institute Oslo. 

In 2025, there were at least eight interstate conflicts – twice as many as the previous year and the highest number recorded since 1946. 

Beyond the record-high number of interstate conflicts, the report also stated a whopping 245,000 people were killed in battle-related violence in 2025, making it the third deadliest year since 1989.

The United Nations' World Social Report 2026 had previously identified the veto powers of the UN Security Council as a major stumbling block to responding to major global conflicts.