Germany calls for reform of international institutions

BERLIN

Germany on Monday called for fundamental reforms of international bodies to make them more representative and effective.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the world has undergone significant changes, and that international institutions should adapt to the new realities.

“We don't want to be a ‘status quo’ power. We want to further develop the international order by listening carefully to the concerns of our partners,” she told a conference in Berlin.

Baerbock said the UN Security Council was last reformed nearly 60 years ago, but since then dozens of countries gained their independence in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

“These states are rightly asking for a say and a proper seat at the international stage. Reform is also needed at international financial institutions, health bodies, and formats such as the G-20,” she said, also insisting that the African Union should have a seat at the G-20 table.

Baerbock also underlined that Germany is ready to play a more active role on the international stage to address global challenges in cooperation with its traditional and new partners.

"If we want to be a reliable team player which doesn't just stand on the sidelines, but is ready to shape the game, then we must always have the courage to initiate things anew. To keep at it – even if success is not certain," she said.

“We cannot afford to sit back and give up at the slightest hint of resistance. Because then others will fill those gaps, against our values and against our interests,” she added.

Similarly, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long pushed for a more representative UN Security Council, beyond its current five permanent members, using the slogan the “world is greater than five.”