UN secretary-general António Guterres says the world has entered “an era of deep uncertainty”,  hence, governments should embrace international cooperation to address global threats.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA81) General Debate in New York, Guterres identified “three existential threats”: runaway artificial intelligence, the climate crisis, and deepening inequalities. He also reiterated calls for a two-State solution in the Middle East and for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

While he acknowledged the need to reform global institutions, including the UN itself, the secretary-general stressed that the UN’s promises to maintain peace and protect human rights remain the same.

Mr Guterres called for Member States to uphold the UN Charter, defend international law, protect human rights, invest in sustainable development and push for peace everywhere. He highlighted the decimation of Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine war as areas of particular concern, urging leaders to work towards “de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue” to end these conflicts.

“At this crucial moment in the Middle East, de-escalation must be priority one, priority two and priority three,” the UN chief said.

According to him, all parties to the conflict in the Middle East must respect navigational rights in the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab Straits and must not harm civilians. He also called attention to the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza and said Israel’s annexation of the West Bank “must stop”.

More than four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Mr Guterres said there was “no end in sight”, calling for an immediate ceasefire as the first step towards a “just, lasting and comprehensive peace”.

The assembly is expected to debate both conflicts next week.

Mr Gutteres recognised AI’s “enormous potential” on issues surrounding health, education and climate, but added that the world “cannot afford to ignore concerns” that AI development is progressing faster than human understanding of its risks.

Comparing AI to other issues of international concern, Mr Guterres said governments must protect their citizens from AI’s risks and that “global cooperation is indispensable”.

(NAN)