Santiago Peña calls for UN reform and addresses Venezuela and Taiwan at UNGA

During the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña delivered a series of high-level diplomatic statements addressing global security, institutional reform, and regional stability.

Peña called for urgent structural reforms to the UN, specifically criticizing the Security Council as an outdated body that no longer reflects modern geopolitical realities. He advocated for increased leadership from Latin America and the Caribbean, suggesting the next UN Secretary-General should come from the region.

Regarding regional crises, Peña addressed the situation in Venezuela, stating that his recent visit to Caracas was intended to facilitate a democratic transition rather than to “validate a regime.” He urged international leaders, including Donald Trump, to continue working toward the restoration of democracy in Venezuela and proposed the country's reintegration into Mercosul.

On global security, Peña reaffirmed Paraguay’s support for Taiwan, emphasizing that the stability of the Taiwan Strait is critical to the global economy and the semiconductor supply chain. He also warned of tensions in the Middle East, noting that disruptions in maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz disproportionately affect vulnerable populations by impacting food and energy security.