In a broadcast segment published on September 21, 2026, Al Jazeera’s James Bays sat down with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a discussion on the organization’s capacity to address contemporary international challenges. The interview was conducted ahead of the UN General Assembly, which marks the final session for Guterres before his term concludes in December 2026.
Central to the conversation was the escalating conflict in the Middle East and its ripple effects across the globe. Guterres also addressed broader questions regarding the continued relevance of the UN in managing current geopolitical fractures. Furthermore, the Secretary-General reiterated his longstanding position that the UN Security Council requires significant structural reform to remain effective.
The full interview runs for approximately 26 minutes and is part of the “On the Record” series.
Finally, someone with a platform is admitting the current structure is broken. Structural reform isn’t optional anymore,
Guterres is facing down hard truths about the Middle East tensions. I hope his final remarks push for real action next year.
Did he really suggest the UN might be irrelevant now? That seems like a defeatist attitude for the Secretary-General.
It’s sobering to hear him question the UN’s relevance so openly. The Security Council reforms feel long overdue,