NEW YORK: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered his final address to the General Assembly on Tuesday, urging world leaders to strengthen international cooperation, end conflicts, address climate change and establish stronger safeguards for artificial intelligence.
Guterres, whose second five-year term as UN secretary-general ends on December 31, used the speech to reflect on his decade leading the world body and call for reforms to international institutions facing growing global challenges.
He urged countries at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution to share information about emerging safety risks, cooperate on testing and evaluation, and develop common safeguards.
Guterres also called for a multilateral framework for managing AI risks, supported by credible and independent oversight.
The UN chief has been a strong advocate of international cooperation on artificial intelligence. In 2023, the United Nations established a 39-member advisory body on AI comprising technology executives, government officials and academics from different countries.
Guterres Calls for Peace in Middle East
Addressing conflicts in the Middle East, Guterres called for de-escalation and dialogue as tensions continue to affect the region and threaten international shipping routes.
He urged an immediate end to fighting, the unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance and the restoration of navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law.
Guterres also reiterated his support for a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians, drawing sustained applause from delegates.
UN Institutions Need Reform
The secretary-general acknowledged growing pressure on the United Nations system, saying its mechanisms for collective action were under increasing strain.
He argued that international institutions must be reformed to better reflect current global realities and address emerging challenges.
Guterres also renewed his call for stronger action against climate change, emphasizing the principle that polluters should bear the costs associated with environmental damage.
As he prepares to leave office after a decade at the helm of the United Nations, Guterres told world leaders that he would continue advocating for peace and the principles of the UN Charter.
“Peace is possible,” he said, adding that he would “never, ever give up.”