"Despite their rifts, the permanent members of the Security Council still agree on a wide range of subjects," writes Richard Gowan.

The United Nations Security Council is to convene Monday to address Russia's breach last week of Estonia airspace, according to the European union and NATO member.

"We need a more representative and a more inclusive UN that reflects current realities," says Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged the United Nations to return to its founding values and pursue reform to better tackle the world's crises in a speech to the UN General Assembly in New York on Saturday.

The U.N. Security Council once again aired a divide between the veto-wielding United States and most of the rest of the world over how to end the war in the Gaza Strip and resolve the Mideast conflict.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna underscored his request ahead of a panel meeting to discuss threats to international peace and security.

Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the General Assembly looking to prevent the imposition of sanctions on his country, this time from the United Nations Security Council.

The United States once again has vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution that had demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.