Renaissance for Renewal and Improved Performance: The Necessity of Reforming the UNSC to Meet the Stakes of the Age

The world is facing the most severe accumulation of serious international security failures in recent times. This has challenged the ability of the UNSC to effectively instill international peace and security in the globe. The numerous conflicts in the world such as in Libya, Syria, and Afghanistan, and the recent war in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, have precipitated a worrisome erosion of the ability of the UNSC to instill international peace and security in the present age. The article examined the necessity of reforming the UNSC in other to improve its performance and to meet the stakes of the age. Using the qualitative research approach with the secondary data, and applying the Veto Power Theory, the study revealed that the UNSC faces serious challenges in carrying out its duty effectively. These challenges include a lack of consensus among UN Security Council members, the rise of non-state actors and terrorism, the veto power and political deadlock, lack of regional representation, limited enforcement mechanisms, global power shifts and geopolitical rivalries, prolonged conflicts, and peacekeeping. Also, the study unveiled that the challenges impeding the process of reforming the UNSC include, the veto power, political interests and geopolitics, complex reform process, and lack of consensus on reform models. The article concluded by presenting ways to reform the UNSC. This includes expanding the membership of the UNSC, reforming the veto power system of the Security Council, enhancing cooperation between the UNSC and regional organizations, and Ensuring regional representation in the UNSC membership.