UN Secretary-General António Guterres Warns of Multiple Global Threats, Calls for Greater Cooperation

At the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted that humanity faces grave threats not only from nuclear weapons but also from the climate crisis and the unchecked spread of artificial intelligence (AI).

He emphasized the alarming lack of multilateral cooperation needed to tackle the risks posed by climate change and the uncontrolled advancement of AI. Guterres pointed out that while issues like wars, inequality, and human rights abuses have worsened, the world is not on the right path to overcome these challenges.

In his speech, Guterres discussed the dangers of continued reliance on fossil fuels, calling it a “destructive addiction.” He warned that key oil ports in the world are at risk due to rising sea levels, a consequence of climate change driven largely by the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas.

On the topic of artificial intelligence, Guterres recognized the positive transformations AI has already brought in fields like disease diagnosis, agriculture, and humanitarian aid. However, he also raised concerns about the potential negative impacts of AI, including weakened trust in institutions and increasing inequality, should AI remain unregulated.

He referenced the global digital treaty signed in September 2024, which aims to harness the vast potential of digital technology and address digital divides. This treaty also includes a shared vision of ensuring AI benefits humanity rather than causing harm.

Furthermore, Guterres expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of global leaders, stating that despite the challenges, the UN will continue to advocate for peace based on its charter, international law, and the sovereignty and political freedoms of nations. He called for reforms across international institutions, including the UN Security Council and global financial systems, as they are ill-equipped to handle the issues of today.

In conclusion, Guterres urged the international community to unite and take collective action to address the threats to the planet’s future.