UN General Assembly Must Step Up When Security Council Fails, Says New UNGA President
The new President of the United Nations General Assembly, Philemon Yang, says the UN must work better during global crises—especially when the Security Council is unable to act. He believes that stronger cooperation between the General Assembly (UNGA) and the Security Council will help the UN stay effective and credible.
In a recent interview, Yang said that if the Security Council is blocked or stuck, the General Assembly should be ready to step in. This would help the UN respond faster and more effectively to major world issues.
He pointed to “Action 42” of the Pact for the Future, a new agreement made in September 2024, where member countries promised to give the General Assembly more power to deal with today’s global challenges.
A big part of that promise is the push to reform the UN Security Council. Yang said that changes must come without delay, and that the General Assembly can lead the way by pushing for reforms through intergovernmental talks.
One important step already taken is the Veto Initiative, which was adopted in 2022. It requires any country using its veto power in the Security Council to publicly explain why. This has made the Council more transparent and may help reduce misuse of vetoes that block action during emergencies.
Yang also highlighted recent examples where the General Assembly took action during Security Council deadlocks — like during crises in Ukraine, Syria, Sudan, and Mali. These efforts, he said, show the growing role of the General Assembly in protecting global peace and security when the Security Council can’t move forward.
“The General Assembly now has the tools to act when needed,” Yang said. “By working more closely with the Security Council, the UN will be better prepared to respond to global crises and maintain its credibility.”
