By Lawal Sale
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for urgent reform of the United Nations and other global institutions, arguing that the current system no longer reflects the economic and political weight of the Global South and East.
Speaking at the Third BRICS Foreign Ministers Council in New Delhi, Lavrov said the “historic West” continues to dominate the UN Security Council, the UN Secretariat, and Bretton Woods institutions, despite the fact that developing nations now account for nearly 60 percent of global GDP.
“The centre of global economic growth is shifting towards Asia, Africa and Latin America,” Lavrov said. “There is a substantial gap between the real distribution of global economic potential and the level of representation of the Global Majority countries in global governance.”
Lavrov demanded expanded UN Security Council membership for Brazil, India, and African nations, while opposing additional seats for Western countries. He also accused NATO member states of having “privatised” the UN Secretariat, and called for the next UN Secretary-General to be “equidistant” and honour the UN Charter’s impartiality requirements.
The Russian minister further condemned Western sanctions and the “illegitimate” seizure of foreign assets, and announced a BRICS seminar in Moscow from June 15–17, 2026, to address the politicisation of international law. (GSF)