UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Photo: Eric Bridiers.
Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, has issued an alarming warning to the global community, noting that humanity’s actions and inactions have led to the “unleashing of the troubles of a modern Pandora”. He outlined four major threats to the planet, including conflicts, global inequalities, the climate crisis and uncontrolled technology, AFP reports.
In his address to the UN General Assembly, Guterres stressed that growing and more complex conflicts in places like Gaza and Sudan, as well as the threat of nuclear war, are challenging the stability of the planet. He also drew attention to the persistent violation of human rights and the “endemic” impunity in the world.
Guterres also expressed concern about the rapid development of technology, in particular artificial intelligence, which he said needs to be carefully managed to ensure it becomes safe and ethical. The UN Secretary-General called for the creation of an international group of experts to help political leaders navigate the potential risks and opportunities presented by the new technological revolution.
Regarding the climate crisis, Guterres demanded that the signatories to the Paris Agreement renew their commitments to combat global warming and maintain the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
In conclusion, he called for greater global solidarity and stressed the importance of international cooperation to address these challenges, as only together can the world overcome these multiple crises. “Never forget hope,” he added, pointing to gradual but important achievements such as the reduction of child mortality and the development of renewable energy sources.
