Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the United Nations to urgently reassert its role in global affairs, warning that democracy is increasingly under threat from rising nationalism, conflict and deepening inequality.
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa stressed that global institutions must evolve to reflect modern geopolitical realities. He highlighted concerns that the United Nations Security Council has become ineffective in addressing major conflicts, saying its current structure limits its ability to prevent war and humanitarian crises.
“For democratic values to thrive, all institutions of global governance need to be reformed so that all countries and peoples are represented,” he said.
His remarks align with broader calls from BRICS nations, including Brazil, India and China, which have long argued that global systems are skewed in favour of powerful Western nations.
Ramaphosa also warned of a growing shift away from cooperation toward narrow nationalism, prejudice and intolerance. He linked this trend to ongoing global conflicts, including the war in Gaza, suggesting that failures in global governance are contributing to prolonged instability.
Speaking at the Global Progressive Mobilisation Plenary in Barcelona, he cautioned that the rules underpinning international cooperation are being steadily eroded at a time when collective action is most needed.
Ramaphosa’s comments reflect increasing pressure from emerging economies for a more inclusive and balanced international system, as debates over reforming global governance structures continue to intensify.