United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said global challenges cannot be solved by a single dominant power or by dividing the world into competing spheres of influence.

He specifically named the United States and China.

"We see, and many see, in relation to the future, the idea that there are two poles, one centered in the US and one centered in China," he said. 

"If we want a stable world, if we want a world in which peace can be sustained, in which development can be generalized, and in which — in the end — our values will prevail, we need to support multipolarity," Guterres added.

The UN chief was speaking at his traditional news conference to outline his plans for the year ahead.

No one power 'calling the shots' 

Guterres went on to say that problems around the world would not be solved by one power "calling ⁠the ‍shots." 

"In my opinion, the basic responsibility for international peace and security lies with UN, lies with the Security Council," Guterres said.

"Only the Security Council can adopt decisions binding on all, and no other body or other coalition can legally be required to have all member states comply with decisions on peace and security."

Although Guterres did not directly reference any particular country, his remarks came a week after US President Donald Trump launched his "Board of Peace," originally aimed at ensuring the cease-fire in Gaza and its reconstruction.

Originally mandated by the UN Security Council to focus on Gaza, Trump promoted a broadened mandate and floated the idea that his "Board of Peace" should replace the UN.

Reform of the Security Council

Guterres again called for reform of the Security Council, with its 15 seats, including 5 permanent members.

"It's very interesting to see that some that criticize the UN for being not effective are the ones opposing the reform of the Security Council. That is the reason why the UN can sometimes not be as effective as we all want," he said.

Guterres' second term saw Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan, the conflict in Sudan, the war between Israel and Gaza, a rapid end to Syria's civil war, and the US capture of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.

He spoke to reporters as he marked the start of his 10th and final year in office. His successor will be chosen by the UN General Assembly later this year.

"I think it is clearly time for the United Nations ... to have a woman at its head," Guterres said.

In the history of the UN, the top post has never been held by a woman.

"But the truth is that - whether in the United Nations or in the leadership positions of the most powerful countries in the world - it is time to see women," Guterres said.

Edited by: Louis Oelofse