Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 30 July 2026 — There is growing recognition that the multilateral institutions established in the aftermath of the Second World War need to evolve in order to become more inclusive, representative and equitable. The selective application of international law and the misuse of the authority of international organisations have intensified debate about the fairness and legitimacy of the current global order. At the same time, devastating crises in Sudan, the Sahel, Somalia, Mozambique and Palestine, alongside challenges relating to climate change, peace, security, governance and socio-economic development, have further exposed weaknesses in the collective security system and the limitations of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) architecture in maintaining international peace and stability.

Against this backdrop, the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) and the African Union Network of Think-Tanks for Peace (AU NeTT4Peace) convened a Focus Group Discussion on the reform of the United Nations Security Council at Addis Ababa University, on 30 July 2026. Supported by the Global Challenges Foundation, the dialogue brought together diplomats, policy analysts, civil society actors and regional stakeholders to deliberate on Africa’s role in shaping the future of global governance and multilateral reform.

Opening remarks were delivered by Prof Tim Murithi of the IJR, alongside Ms Lettie Tembo, Acting Director of the African Peace and Security Programme and Head of the Tana Forum Secretariat of the African Union NeTT4Peace.

The discussion was framed by growing global calls for a more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient and accountable multilateral system. Participants reflected on the historical underrepresentation of Africa within the UN Security Council and considered pathways for addressing what has long been regarded as a historical injustice. The meeting also examined recommendations contained in the UN Pact for the Future, particularly Action Point 39, which calls for reform of international institutions to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and emphasises redressing Africa’s marginalisation as a priority.

A key focus of the dialogue was the Common African Position on UNSC reform, embodied in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, as well as the African Union’s February 2026 decision outlining the African Union Model for the Inter-Governmental Negotiations process. Participants debated whether current reform proposals adequately address the evolving geopolitical environment and considered strategies for ensuring Africa’s interests are effectively represented in future negotiations.

Discussion sessions explored a range of issues, including the future of the veto power, the role of permanent African representation on the Security Council, and the need for a multilateral system grounded in justice, equity, human rights, and civilian protection. Participants also examined how the African Union could strengthen continental unity in selecting future African representatives and whether additional political, legal or performance-based criteria should guide representation at the Council.

The forum further considered whether Africa should explore innovative avenues for advancing its reform agenda, including the possibility of mobilising member states to invoke Article 109 of the UN Charter to convene a General Conference for Charter Review. Participants reflected on how the African Union could reassess and reposition its strategy in light of the continued limitations of the Security Council and broader shifts in the global order.

The initiative aimed to enhance knowledge and understanding of the African Union Model and the Common African Position among diplomats and policymakers, while strengthening the capacity of AU member states, regional economic communities, civil society actors and policy experts to engage more effectively in the reform process.

The organisers noted that the outcomes of the discussion are expected to contribute to policy reflections among African Union member states, support more informed decision-making on Security Council reform, and identify strategic approaches for engaging in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations process. The forum also seeks to strengthen networks of diplomatic champions and stakeholders advocating for Africa’s meaningful representation within global governance structures.

As Africa continues to navigate complex peace, security, governance and development challenges, participants underscored the importance of revitalising multilateral institutions and ensuring the continent plays a central role in shaping the future of global governance. The IJR-IPSS Focus Group Discussion represents an important step in advancing dialogue and consensus-building around Africa’s aspirations for a more equitable and representative United Nations Security Council.