United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has called on world leaders to regulate artificial intelligence, end wars, tackle climate change and reform global institutions in his final address to the General Assembly.
Guterres, whose second five-year term ends on December 31, delivered the address on Tuesday as nearly 130 world leaders gathered in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly.
The outgoing UN chief warned that existing international institutions are struggling to respond effectively to growing global challenges.
Guterres Demands Global AI Safeguards
Guterres renewed his call for international oversight of artificial intelligence, urging countries leading the technology revolution to cooperate on safety measures.
“Those countries leading this technological revolution must share information on emerging safety risks, cooperate on testing and evaluation – and work towards common safeguards that protect us all,” he said.
He also called for a multilateral framework to manage AI risks, backed by credible and independent oversight.
His remarks came as the UN Security Council prepared to host AI leaders for a briefing on the risks posed by the rapidly developing technology. The UN established a 39-member advisory body on AI in 2023 as part of efforts to develop global approaches to the technology.
UN Chief Calls for End to Conflicts
On the Middle East, Guterres called for de-escalation and dialogue as conflicts continue to threaten regional stability and international shipping.
“Together, let’s send a clear message from this hall: The fighting must stop. Humanitarian aid must flow. And navigational rights and freedoms must be fully restored in accordance with international law,” he said.
He also reiterated his support for a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.
‘Polluters Must Pay’
Climate change was another major focus of Guterres’ farewell address.
Delegates applauded when he demanded that “polluters must pay” and urged stronger international action to address climate-related challenges.
He also pressed for reforms to international institutions, arguing that the current global system no longer adequately reflects the distribution of power in the modern world.
Guterres Reflects on Decade at UN
Guterres’ address marked the end of a decade at the helm of the United Nations, during which he sought to strengthen the organisation’s role in mediating conflicts and addressing emerging global challenges.
However, his tenure has also coincided with growing divisions among major powers and financial pressure on the UN, including cuts in US funding.
Reflecting on his departure, Guterres said he would continue advocating for peace after leaving office.
“So, on January 1st, when I am no longer Secretary-General, be sure of this. Wherever I will be, whatever I will be doing – I will keep championing the conviction that peace is possible,” he said.
“I will continue to stand up for the values of the United Nations Charter and I will never, ever give up. Thank you.”
