The world cannot be run by one or two countries: United Nations

February 2, 2026

Abhishek Vij

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a very clear statement after the free trade agreement between India and the European Union. He supported multipolarity in the world, hinting at the dominance of the US and China. He clearly stated that the world’s problems cannot be solved by the decisions of a single power.

Guterres was speaking to reporters recently, outlining the UN’s priorities. He said that while the US is undoubtedly the most powerful country in the world, and China is the second most powerful, the world will not be run according to their whims. It is wrong to think that the world is becoming bipolar with the US and China as the two poles.

We want a stable world today, a world where peace can prevail, where there is comprehensive development and where ethical values are upheld. Therefore, it is essential for the world to be multipolar. It should be made clear that India is following this policy. Without jeopardizing trade relations with the US and Russia, India is entering into free trade agreements with countries of the developing world. It first signed an agreement with the UK and has recently concluded an FTA with the European Union. This diversification of trade relations is a ray of hope for the world, as the UN Secretary-General also stated. Close relations should be forged between different countries.

These recent trade agreements are the hope for the world’s future. Guterres also mentioned some other agreements. He said there are South American trade blocs with the European Union. Indonesia has an agreement with the European Union. The European Union has an agreement with India. China has an agreement with Canada, and also with the UK.

These agreements will create a new network of cooperation among large groups of countries and entities in the world and will create favorable conditions for peace. Remember, we have to build a world where the values of the United Nations Charter prevail. Global problems will not be solved by the dictates of one or two powers, nor by dividing the world into two rival blocs. Guterres also said that the primary responsibility for international peace and security rests with the United Nations and the Security Council. Our view is that the United Nations and its Security Council must become multipolar.

The five countries with veto power in the Security Council should not presume to dictate the world’s affairs. Countries like India are rapidly emerging on the global stage. The UN must give these new powers their rightful place for a multipolar world to truly emerge. Either veto power should be granted to newly emerging countries like India, or it should be revoked from all and decisions should be made based on a majority vote. This is the only practical approach.

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump is on the path to creating a “Board of Peace.” He argues that since the US funds a quarter of the UN’s budget, why shouldn’t it create a Board of Peace? Now, the latest news is that an organization like Sikhs for Justice has also offered a billion dollars to secure membership in this Board of Peace.

Isn’t this attempt to legitimize terrorism a cunning ploy? It would be far better to open the doors of the United Nations and the Security Council to these newly emerging powers. A multipolar world must be allowed to develop so that one or two arrogant, wealthy powers cease their attempts to manipulate the world. This anomalous situation can only be rectified when emerging powers like India are given the opportunity to play their rightful role on global platforms like the United Nations.