UN Secretary-General Urges Action Over Posturing at General Assembly Opening
The Secretary-General, fresh from international summits in Nairobi, Jakarta, New Delhi, and a visit to Havana, noted that the 78th session of the UN General Assembly is convening amidst significant challenges. He mentioned the climate emergency, new conflicts, rising living costs, and soaring inequality as pressing issues that require immediate attention.
"People are looking to their leaders for a way out of this mess. Yet, geopolitical divisions are undermining our capacity to respond," Guterres lamented. He emphasized the emergence of a multipolar world, which could either bring equilibrium or escalate tensions and fragmentation.
Guterres called for strong and reformed institutions based on the UN Charter and international law to navigate this complex global order effectively. He acknowledged that reform might involve competing interests but stressed that in today's interconnected world, a zero-sum outcome benefits no one.
The upcoming UN General Assembly will feature key summits addressing climate change, investment for development, health challenges, and regional crises. The opening sessions will begin with discussions on revitalizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to ensure that the ambitious 2030 deadline is met.
In his closing remarks, Secretary-General Guterres appealed to world leaders to recognize their special responsibility in achieving compromise for the common good. He urged them to work together for a future of peace, prosperity, equity, and solidarity, emphasizing that next week in New York is where the journey toward this common future should commence.
The world will be watching as leaders gather to address the pressing issues that require collective action and meaningful solutions at this critical juncture in history.
The Secretary-General, fresh from international summits in Nairobi, Jakarta, New Delhi, and a visit to Havana, noted that the 78th session of the UN General Assembly is convening amidst significant challenges. He mentioned the climate emergency, new conflicts, rising living costs, and soaring inequality as pressing issues that require immediate attention.
"People are looking to their leaders for a way out of this mess. Yet, geopolitical divisions are undermining our capacity to respond," Guterres lamented. He emphasized the emergence of a multipolar world, which could either bring equilibrium or escalate tensions and fragmentation.
Guterres called for strong and reformed institutions based on the UN Charter and international law to navigate this complex global order effectively. He acknowledged that reform might involve competing interests but stressed that in today's interconnected world, a zero-sum outcome benefits no one.
The upcoming UN General Assembly will feature key summits addressing climate change, investment for development, health challenges, and regional crises. The opening sessions will begin with discussions on revitalizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to ensure that the ambitious 2030 deadline is met.
In his closing remarks, Secretary-General Guterres appealed to world leaders to recognize their special responsibility in achieving compromise for the common good. He urged them to work together for a future of peace, prosperity, equity, and solidarity, emphasizing that next week in New York is where the journey toward this common future should commence.
The world will be watching as leaders gather to address the pressing issues that require collective action and meaningful solutions at this critical juncture in history.
