South African President Cyril Ramaphosa calls for urgent UN Security Council reform and regional peace mechanisms during the BRICS Summit. Discover his vision for global stability.

Related: BRICS Ceasefire Declaration: 5 Proven Steps Toward Global Peace and Sovereignty

1. Cyril Ramaphosa Demands Reform of UN Security Council

In his address to the Plenary Session titled “Peace, Security, and Reform of Global Governance” at the XVII BRICS Summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that the world is undergoing profound transformation — both positive and challenging.

He stressed that achieving global peace and security has become increasingly complex due to persistent conflicts and emerging threats. One of his central arguments was the need to reform the United Nations Security Council, which he described as rigid and disconnected from today’s geopolitical realities.

“The reform is necessary for the Council to reflect current multipolar realities,” Ramaphosa stated, calling for a more democratic and representative body that includes voices from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

As conflicts persist, as new threats emerge and as old institutions falter, the pursuit of global peace and security has never been more urgent or more complex.

The United Nations, in particular the Security Council, is the preeminent instrument for the maintenance of… pic.twitter.com/8q6XEYoh77

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 6, 2025

🔗 Internal Link: Read more about BRICS and global governance →

2. BRICS Role in Promoting Multipolar Peace and Sovereignty

President Ramaphosa highlighted the potential of BRICS — representing nearly half of the world’s population — to play a key role in shaping a new international order based on sovereignty, equality, and peaceful coexistence.

He urged stronger support for regional peace mechanisms, advocating for increased resources and authority to enable them to lead mediation efforts and conflict resolution processes. This aligns with broader discussions within the bloc about how to reduce dependence on Western-led institutions and promote inclusive diplomacy.

During the summit, BRICS leaders also discussed a Global AI Governance Statement and adopted a Climate Financing Framework, reinforcing their commitment to shaping global norms beyond traditional power structures.

🔗 External Link (DoFollow): Official BRICS Summit Agenda →

3. Global Conflicts and Call for Justice in Gaza and Sudan

In a pointed segment of his Cyril Ramaphosa BRICS speech , the South African president voiced deep concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East , particularly condemning recent attacks by Israel and the United States against Iran . He described these actions as provocative and destabilizing , urging restraint and adherence to international law to avoid further regional spillover.

Ramaphosa emphasized that targeted military strikes without clear diplomatic frameworks only deepen instability , calling for urgent de-escalation and inclusive dialogue among all affected parties. His remarks align with broader concerns within the Global South about the increasing use of force by major powers without sufficient multilateral oversight or accountability.

The context of this part of the Cyril Ramaphosa BRICS speech comes amid rising geopolitical friction between Western nations and emerging economies. In recent months, the U.S. and Israel have intensified joint operations in the region, including cyberattacks and airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites — actions widely seen across BRICS as violations of sovereignty and international norms.

Ramaphosa also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crises in Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Palestine , reiterating the need for just and sustainable solutions grounded in international humanitarian law . He specifically condemned the use of hunger as a weapon of war in Gaza , and reiterated support for Palestinian self-determination , reflecting long-standing South African foreign policy principles rooted in anti-colonial solidarity.

In the case of Sudan , he called for an immediate ceasefire and greater international support for peacebuilding efforts, warning that the conflict’s trajectory threatens not only national stability but regional security as well.

His broader message was clear: conflict resolution must prioritize diplomacy over militarism , and developing nations must play a central role in shaping global responses . This perspective resonates strongly within BRICS, where member states increasingly advocate for a multipolar world order that reflects diverse interests and reduces reliance on Western-dominated institutions.

As the Cyril Ramaphosa BRICS speech made evident, the Global South is no longer content to be a passive observer in global affairs. Instead, it seeks to assert its voice in defining rules-based governance, promoting peaceful coexistence, and ensuring that international institutions serve the interests of all nations — not just a privileged few

🔗 External Link (DoFollow): UN Report on Middle East Conflicts →

📝 Executive Summary:

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged urgent reform of the UN Security Council during the BRICS Summit.

• He emphasized the need for a more democratic and representative international system, aligned with current multipolar realities.
• Ramaphosa advocated for strengthening regional peace mechanisms and promoting diplomatic solutions to global conflicts.
• He condemned recent attacks on Iran and called for fair resolutions to crises in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and DRC.
• The summit also addressed global issues such as climate financing and AI governance, highlighting BRICS’ expanding influence in multilateral affairs.

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