AI, climate and conflict are at the top of Guterres’ agenda ahead of the General Assembly

Speaking to journalists six days before world leaders gather in New York, Guterres explained this The “triple existential threat”: runaway artificial intelligence (AI), the climate crisis, and worsening inequality.

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 emphasized that the UN’s promises to maintain peace and protect human rights remain the same.

“Renewing our structure does not mean abandoning our principles – this means applying those principles with greater determination,” said Mr Guterres.

The need for peace

Now, more than ever, Guterres is calling on member states to uphold the agreement UN Charterdefend international law, protect human rights, invest in sustainable development and promote peace everywhere.

He highlighted the destruction of Gaza and the Russian-Ukrainian war as matters of particular concern, and urged leaders to work toward “de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue” to end these conflicts.

“At this important moment in the Middle East, de-escalation must be priority one, priority two, and priority threesaid the Secretary General.

All parties to the conflict in the Middle East must do this respect navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab and must not harm civilians, Guterres said.

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 massive invasion of Ukraine, Guterres said there was “no end in sight,” and called for an immediate ceasefire as the first step toward a “just, lasting and comprehensive peace.”

The General Assembly is is expected to debate both conflicts next week.

Guardrails in AI development

The Secretary-General dedicated almost half of his speech to what should be done regarding the rapid progress of AI technology.

He acknowledged the “enormous potential” of AI in issues around health, education and climate, but added that the world “cannot ignore concerns” that AI development is progressing faster than human understanding of the risks.

Comparing AI to other issues of international concern, Mr Guterres said that governments must protect their citizens from the risks of AI and that “Global cooperation is urgently needed.”

As concerns about an AI arms race between the US and China increase, the Secretary General acknowledged the existence of “geopolitical divisions” and said A voluntary pause in AI development will not work if it is done in isolation – limited to just a few countries.

“The world cannot afford to compete in terms of AI safetyhe said.

Guterres pointed to the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI set up by the UN, which he said would inform global discussions by providing the best available evidence on the opportunities and risks of AI.

As world leaders prepare to discuss solutions, the Secretary-General called for boundaries that build trust and “making AI safe, transparent and accountable, while prioritizing human dignity.”

“International cooperation is now increasingly necessaryhe said.