Putin calls for UN overhaul to match 'changing realities'

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday called for sweeping reforms to the United Nations to enhance its effectiveness and align the organization with the shifting dynamics of global power, speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan.

He acknowledged that not every aspect of UN operations "pleases or satisfies" everyone but insisted the body must "without a doubt" retain its central role in global affairs. "Yet, the UN's potential appears to be far from realized, and it is essential to make efforts to improve its effectiveness, expand the representation of its bodies, including in the Security Council, by including countries from the Global South and East, and generally adapt it to changing realities and the fundamental changes emerging in global politics and economics," Putin said.

Multipolar order 'irreversible'

Putin characterized the formation of a "new, truly just" multipolar world order as "irreversible," stressing that the UN's unifying function remains vital amid these structural shifts. He emphasized that the organization must continue serving as the primary mechanism for reconciling international interests while maintaining the UN Charter as the key source of international law.

"It is clear that, alongside the United Nations, new multilateral regional structures that have emerged and gained strength in Asia, Africa, and Latin America are organically integrating into the architecture of a multipolar world. Our Shanghai Cooperation Organization is precisely one such structure," he said, identifying the SCO as a key pillar of the emerging global system.

Summit marks 25th anniversary

The Russian president arrived in Bishkek on Monday to participate in the expanded summit, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the organization founded in 2001. Earlier Tuesday, he addressed the SCO Council of Heads of State regarding the body's strategic trajectory.

Putin expressed hope that the "SCO Plus" format would contribute to "strengthening friendly ties between all countries represented here and will serve to intensify broad cooperation in a wide range of areas." The gathering brings together leaders from Central Asia, China, India and other regional powers to discuss security and economic integration.