UN Secretary-General urges world leaders to fulfill their promises and strengthen cooperation to address global challenges
New York, 16 Sep (KUNA) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guteris called on world leaders on Wednesday to honor their commitments, uphold the UN Charter, defend international law, protect human rights, invest in sustainable development, and strengthen safeguards for artificial intelligence.
He made the remarks during a press conference held ahead of the opening of the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, which he is attending for the last time in his capacity as Secretary-General of the UN, as world leaders prepare to convene at the UN headquarters in New York.
Guteris stated that the world is entering a phase of "deep uncertainty," characterized by shifts in the balance of power, rapid changes, and growing threats that require enhanced international cooperation. He emphasized the need for international institutions to adapt to these changes without abandoning their core principles.
He described the United Nations as a "promise" that world leaders must fulfill, urging them to commit to and defend the organization's Charter and work toward peace.
Guteris warned that international cooperation is more necessary than ever, as the world faces three major threats: out-of-control artificial intelligence, the climate crisis, and the worsening of inequalities.
Regarding developments in the Middle East, the Secretary-General stressed that de-escalation must be a top priority at this stage. He called on all parties to cease any actions that harm civilians, ensure the safe and unimpeded implementation of humanitarian operations, and restore and respect the rights and freedoms of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, in accordance with international law.
On the Palestinian issue, Guteris affirmed that the horrific suffering endured by the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank must not be ignored. He called for the full implementation of the peace plan for Gaza, the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid, and a halt to what he described as the "creeping annexation of the West Bank."
He added that "there will be no peace in the Middle East without the realization of a two-state solution."
In another context, the Secretary-General warned of the risks posed by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, despite the opportunities it offers to support sustainable development, education, health systems, and the capacity to address climate change.
He held governments responsible for protecting their citizens from AI-related risks, noting that while national-level action is essential, "global coordination remains indispensable, as this technology and its risks do not stop at borders."
He highlighted the UN's efforts to support evidence-based policy-making through the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, confirming that this issue will be a key topic in his discussions with world leaders during the High-Level Week.
He called for coordinated international cooperation to reach a shared understanding on the safe and responsible development of artificial intelligence and to establish appropriate safeguards for the most powerful systems, warning that geopolitical divisions could undermine global efforts to enhance the safety of this technology.
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