President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday urged the United Nations (UN) to “reform itself,” saying it has become “inadequate” in the face of global crises and even its security council has become “neither democratic nor transparent”.

Duterte made the call when he delivered a pre-recorded speech during the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.

“We face multiple crises that demand effective global governance. Yet, our institutions, including the United Nations, have proven to be inadequate,” he said. “If the UN is to lead the world out of the many crises we face, things need to change. The UN must empower itself, by reforming itself. Therein lies the hope for humanity.”

As a “product of an era long past,” the UN no longer reflects the “political and economic realities of today,” Duterte said.

Duterte said the UN’s 15-man security council is “neither democratic nor transparent in its representation and processes”.

“Democracy and transparency are concepts that reverberate in the halls of the UN. But ironically, the Security Council – the pinnacle of the UN structure – violates every tenet of these values. Many member states have spoken firmly and we agree: This simply is not right,” he said.

The UN, an international organization founded in 1945, is currently composed of 193 member-states, including the Philippines.

The UN’s goal is to maintain international peace and security, protect human rights, deliver humanitarian aid, support sustainable development and climate action, and uphold international law.

On the other hand, the UNSC is primarily responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security as it takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression.

The UNSC may also resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security. (PNA)