German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged sweeping reforms of the United Nations at the General Assembly in New York, saying the organisation is “in troubled waters” amid a world he described as “in a state of constant escalation.” Chancellor Friedrich Merz stayed in Germany after state election defeats, so Wadephul represented Germany at the assembly. He argued that the UN must become more effective at resolving — not merely managing — conflicts, and said the next secretary-general must lead the reform effort. António Guterres will step down at year-end, with eight candidates currently in the running.
Germany’s Wadephul Urges Sweeping UN Reforms As Chancellor Merz Skips General Assembly
Johann Wadephul, German Minister of Foreign Affairs, follows the debate at the start of the United Nations General Assembly. (is associated with: «Germany's Wadephul urges far-reaching UN reforms as Merz stays away») Michael Kappeler/dpa
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Tuesday called for far-reaching reforms to the United Nations as world leaders gathered for the General Assembly in New York. His intervention drew attention in part because Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had planned to attend, remained in Germany following setbacks in recent state elections.
“Do we really want to allow the boat we are in to drift towards capsizing? Or do we want to join forces and turn the rudder round?”
Call For A More Effective UN
Wadephul warned that the world is currently “in a state of constant escalation,” and said the UN — whose principal purpose should be conflict prevention — finds itself “in troubled waters.” He argued that the organisation must become more efficient and proactive, not merely manage crises but play a central role in resolving them.
“We need a functioning UN that addresses the major global issues, plays a role in resolving conflicts and does not merely manage them,” Wadephul told reporters, adding that the institution needs a renewed spirit and clearer direction.
Leadership And The Road Ahead
Wadephul insisted that the next UN secretary-general must take a decisive lead in driving reform. Incumbent António Guterres will step down at the end of the year after two terms — roughly ten years in office — and there are currently eight candidates competing to succeed him. No clear frontrunner has yet emerged.
Wadephul's speech frames Germany's diplomatic priorities at a turning point for the UN: calls for structural change and stronger leadership now intersect with political shifts at home and an intensifying global security environment.
Help us improve.
