Guterres calls for a coordinated response to global challenges in Davos

Davos, Switzerland. Humanity appears unable to work together in the face of threats such as climate chaos and the unbridled development of artificial intelligence, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned today.

Despite ongoing discussions about their risks, we still do not have an effective global strategy to address any of these risks, he said in his State of the World address to the World Economic Forum.

Guterres called for action to ensure a just and equitable transition to renewable energy while warning of the potential for inequalities in the development of artificial intelligence without protective barriers.

The reason, he said, is simple: geopolitical divisions prevent us from uniting around global solutions to global challenges.

As a result, it is not surprising that people everywhere are losing confidence in governments, institutions and financial and economic systems, the High Representative added.

The UN Secretary-General cited analyzes that predict a “completely chaotic” situation in the coming years as geopolitical divisions at all levels prevent any global response to global threats.

But he added that a new multipolar world order with new opportunities for leadership, balance and justice in international relations would make it possible to change course.

The only way to manage this complexity and avoid chaos is through reformist, inclusive and interconnected multilateralism, which requires strong multilateral institutions and frameworks, as well as effective global governance mechanisms.

The Secretary-General reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for a process leading to sustainable peace for Israelis and Palestinians, based on the two-state solution.

In addition to the crisis in the sector, the Secretary-General of the United Nations warned of the expansion of fires that ignore international law, trample the Geneva Conventions, and even violate the United Nations Charter.

The representative stressed that rebuilding trust will not be achieved overnight, but I am convinced that it is necessary and possible.

He concluded his speech by saying: “I urge everyone to do their part to prevent further harm and return our world to the path of security, prosperity and peace.”