In a strong statement during the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres labeled the absence of a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council as "indefensible." He pointed out that the current structure of the Security Council does not reflect the realities of the 21st century and emphasized that Africa's voice is crucial in discussions that affect the continent and the world. Guterres firmly stated, "This is 2026 – not 1946," highlighting the need for reform within the UN system to ensure equitable representation.

The Secretary-General praised the African Union (AU) as a key player in promoting multilateralism and underscored the deepening partnership between the UN and the AU. He recognized the AU's role in various critical areas such as peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights, advocating for stronger collaborations to address these pressing issues. By identifying peace efforts, economic progress, and climate justice as priority areas, Guterres aimed to engage African nations more actively in global governance and policy-making processes.

The call for a permanent seat for Africa at the UN Security Council has been a longstanding demand from the AU, representing 55 African nations. As global dynamics change, Guterres' remarks may invigorate discussions on this topic, potentially influencing future negotiations and reforms of the Security Council that include African perspectives and necessities. His emphasis on Africa's inclusion aims to ensure that the continent's unique challenges and potentials are adequately addressed in the international arena, fostering a more inclusive and representative governance framework within the UN.