In a special address to the World Economic Forum, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, discussed critical global issues and the imperative for comprehensive reforms to address the challenges facing the world today.
Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, the Secretary-General emphasized the pressing need to tackle the global crisis in trust, attributing it to a paradox confronting the world. Despite the severe threats posed by climate change and the unchecked development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), collective action appears elusive.
Highlighting the climate crisis, the Secretary-General noted that countries continue to escalate emissions, leading to a potential three-degree increase in global temperatures. The impact of climate breakdown is evident in the escalating incidents of droughts, storms, fires, and floods globally. Personal observations of receding Himalayan glaciers and the accelerated melting of the Antarctic ice sheet underscored the urgency of addressing climate change.
The Secreta
ry-General condemned the recent multi-million-dollar campaign by the U.S. fossil fuel industry to impede progress, reiterating the essential and inevitable nature of phasing out fossil fuels. Urgent action is needed to ensure a just and equitable transition to renewable energy.
Turning attention to AI, the Secretary-General acknowledged its potential for sustainable development but cautioned against its likely contribution to worsening global inequality. Some powerful tech companies are already prioritizing profits over human rights, personal privacy, and social impact, leading to increased risks.
Despite extensive discussions on climate change and AI, the Secretary-General lamented the absence of an effective global strategy to address these challenges, citing geopolitical divides as a major obstacle. The erosion of systems designed for predictability exacerbates the situation, as evidenced by nuclear re-armament and the disregard for international law in conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza.
Addressing econom
ic challenges, the Secretary-General highlighted the exacerbation of inequality and injustice, leading to obstacles in sustainable development. The collapse of global norms erodes trust, with geopolitical divisions posing a major risk to the global economy.
Calling for deep reforms to global governance, the Secretary-General emphasized the need for inclusive, networked multilateralism to manage geopolitical complexities. Rebuilding trust, the Secretary-General stressed, requires a commitment to global reforms that reflect the realities of today’s world.
The Secretary-General outlined the United Nations’ efforts to bring global governance frameworks up to date, including a Summit of the Future in September. Proposed reforms cover global financial architecture, Security Council, and a New Agenda for Peace. A Global Digital Compact aims to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goals and close the digital divide.
In conclusion, the Secretary-General acknowledged that rebuilding trust is a complex
process but emphasized its essential nature. Urging global influencers to prevent further damage, the Secretary-General expressed confidence in the possibility of steering the world towards safety, prosperity, and peace.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon