The world is facing an exceptional convergence of global crises. These include climate change, deepening economic inequality, pandemics, the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, rapid technological advances, geopolitical shifts, democratic backsliding and the highest number of armed conflicts since the Second World War. The existing multilateral governance institutions are not intervening effectively to address these challenges. The UN, in particular, has been sharply criticised for failing to maintain international peace, security and human rights, and for its anachronistic internal structures that lack fair representation and equitable decision-making. Calls for reform have been robust but change has been elusive. In 2025, South Africa’s G20 presidency has an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of global governance by mobilising support for Article 109 of the UN Charter, which would convene a general charter review conference. Will the G20 seize this moment?

Article 109 and its impact

Article 109 provides a mechanism for comprehensive review of the UN Charter, requiring the agreement of two-thirds of the General Assembly (GA) and any nine Security Council members. A conference was intended to be convened within the first 10 years of the UN’s establishment. Eighty years later, a general review conference has yet to occur. A general review conference would focus on modernising UN structures to reflect the geopolitical realities of the 21^st century. Topics could include dismantling outdated power hierarchies, updating decision-making processes, centring climate governance and ensuring inclusive representation. Further, reform of the UN, a cornerstone of global governance, will have positive carryover effects for international financial systems and governance, economic growth and development, solidarity, equality and sustainability more broadly – key priorities and themes of South Africa’s G20 presidency.

Vision for reform

South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy exemplifies how political transformation can be driven by vision, necessity, societal mobilisation and international solidarity. Similarly, reforming the UN Charter requires clear vision and collective action. The Second UN Charter, proposed by the Global Governance Forum, presents a vision for reform. It offers a template for what might emerge from a review conference, including a new composition for the Security Council; new structures, such as a Parliamentary Assembly for enhanced representation; and an Earth System Council to address environmental crises. While the need and vision for charter reform are clear, achieving real change requires the additional forces of global mobilisation and solidarity that shaped South Africa’s transformation. Meaningful UN reform will only be realised through collective action and responsibility. The first step is to push for an Article 109 general review conference.

Barriers to invoking Article 109

Despite overwhelming agreement that change is needed, significant political and psychological barriers remain. For example, the Permanent Five (P5) members of the UN Security Council may oppose movement toward reforms for fear of diluting their privileges. Fear of the unknown often leads to inaction, as nations may prefer the stability of an imperfect system over the uncertainty of change. In particular, some nations may fear that a worse UN Charter could emerge from a reform conference due to the current competitive power-driven climate shaped by realist thinking.

Overcoming barriers and the G20’s role in driving reform

South Africa’s G20 leadership can help overcome these barriers by integrating advocacy for an Article 109 conference into its global agenda, positioning charter reform as essential to building a more equitable and effective international system. Some concrete, influenced-based strategic steps for driving change could include:

• Reframing risks: Communicate the positive outcomes that an Article 109 conference could bring, for example a more adaptive and legitimate system that benefits everyone, including the P5. But also focus on the cost if no action is taken: a fragmented global system with deepening geopolitical divides. The motivation to avoid losses is stronger than the prospect of realising possible gains.
• Communicating the importance of process: The G20 could reinforce that a review conference does not itself amend the charter; amendments require separate ratification. But it does provide a legitimate process that can reduce resistance to change and enhance outcomes through inclusive participation. 
• Advocating for change: South Africa could encourage support for an Article 109 conference among other G20 members and beyond. The UN Charter Reform Coalition could be a resource for more information and support.

Conclusion

A general review conference would be a historic step toward modernising multilateral governance. The UN Charter was not meant to be cast in stone; it was intended to function as a living document. By advocating for the built-in, sustainable mechanism for change from the UN Charter – Article 109 – the G20 can help move the UN toward greater efficacy and equality, increase the legitimacy of the multilateral system and ensure that all nations, regardless of size or power, have an equal voice in the international system. Reforming the UN is not outside the G20’s mandate – it is essential to fulfilling it. Global economic cooperation and stability depend on predictable and trusted institutions, conflict prevention and rules-based systems. As an agile and influential forum, the G20 is uniquely positioned to generate the political momentum needed to catalyse global support for Article 109 and seize this moment for meaningful reform.