In a recent social media post on his platform “X,” Elon Musk expressed his frustration over the absence of a permanent seat for Bharat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The billionaire entrepreneur, known for founding Tesla and SpaceX, called it “absurd” that Bharat, the world’s most populous country, is not granted a permanent position on the UNSC.
At some point, there needs to be a revision of the UN bodies.
Problem is that those with excess power don’t want to give it up.
India not having a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the most populous country on Earth, is absurd.
Africa collectively should…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2024
Musk highlighted the need for a comprehensive revision of UN bodies, stating that those currently wielding excessive power are reluctant to relinquish it. This echoes sentiments shared by Indian officials, including Union Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar, who has consistently advocated for reforms on the global stage. Musk’s post came in response to UN Chief Antonio Guterres, who recently called for a reevaluation of UN bodies to better align with contemporary realities.
Venture capitalist and author Michael Eisenberg initiated the conversation, prompting Musk to underscore the resistance of powerful entities to share or relinquish their control. Musk emphasized the absurdity of Bharat’s exclusion from a permanent seat on the UNSC despite its status as the most populous nation on Earth. Additionally, Musk suggested that Africa, as a continent, should also be considered for a permanent seat.
This isn’t the first time Musk has drawn attention to the need for reform in global institutions. His statement aligns with the concerns raised by Indian officials, particularly Jaishankar, who referred to the UNSC as an “old club” unwilling to admit new members or question its existing practices.
Jaishankar, addressing an event in Bengaluru in December 2023, criticized the Security Council for holding onto power and avoiding necessary reforms. He likened the situation to an “old club” reluctant to let go of its grip, signaling a growing frustration among nations seeking greater representation and inclusivity within international bodies.
Moreover, Jaishankar warned in a separate event in Thiruvananthapuram that nations might explore alternative solutions if the UN fails to undergo meaningful reforms. He emphasized that resistance to reform could render the UN somewhat irrelevant, urging the organization to adapt to a changing global landscape to maintain its effectiveness.
Elon Musk’s public endorsement of the call for UN reform amplifies the growing chorus of voices demanding a more inclusive and representative international order. As discussions on global governance continue, the spotlight remains on the need for proactive changes to address the evolving dynamics of the world stage.
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