The UN Security Council is the only body empowered to adopt decisions that are binding on all member states and authorise the use of force under international law, as set out in the UN Charter.

The UN Secretary-General issued this reminder while addressing a Security Council session on Monday.

António Guterres told the session that no other body or ad hoc coalition can legally require all UN member states to comply with decisions relating to peace and security.

The UN chief also lamented what he described as geopolitical competition, which he said continues to impede collaboration in the maintenance of peace.

"And that is why reform is essential; that is why we must act without delay to enhance the representation and effectiveness of this Council to safeguard peace. Looking ahead, countries must keep their promises. The principles of the UN Charter are not optional. All countries have an obligation to uphold them, to settle disputes peacefully and to make full use of dispute settlement mechanisms to prevent conflicts in the first place."

The Secretary-General's remarks come against the backdrop of what he described as states flouting the rule of law with impunity.

This is done through the illegal use of force, the targeting of civilian infrastructure and widespread human rights violations and abuses.

Guterres warned that such actions amount to a brazen disregard for the processes set out in the UN Charter, resulting in the rule of law being replaced by what he called "the law of the jungle".

The UN has not publicly stated its position on the recently unveiled Board of Peace established by US President Donald Trump, which has been touted as an alternative to the world body's peacekeeping mandate.

However, through Security Council Resolution 2803 adopted in September last year, the UN welcomed the Board of Peace solely to assist with the post-war reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.