Dialogue, compromise, collective action can avert global catastrophe: UN chief

New Delhi, Sept 25: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in an opening address of the seventy-ninth session of the General Assembly on Tuesday, in New York painted a picture of a world teetering on the brink of multiple crises, yet still hopeful of being guided to a more sustainable future.

The Secretary General’s message highlighted that while the global trajectory is unsustainable, dialogue, compromise, and collective action can avert catastrophe.

“The state of our world is unsustainable. We can’t go on like this,” Guterres declared, urging leaders to confront the challenges that have deepened divisions, fanned the flames of war, and accelerated climate change.

The Secretary-General stressed that “the challenges we face are solvable,” but warned that global mechanisms must be reformed to address these crises effectively.

Guterres outlined three "major drivers of unsustainability" facing the world today in his speech: impunity, inequality, and uncertainty. While describing the present image of a global landscape where international laws are increasingly disregarded, with countries trampling on the principles of the UN Charter and committing egregious violations with no accountability. “We see this age of impunity everywhere,” he stated, citing regions like the Middle East, Europe, and the Horn of Africa.

On the ongoing war in Ukraine, Guterres was clear: “It is time for a just peace based on the UN Charter, on international law, and on UN resolutions.” He expressed deep concern over the civilian toll of the conflict, and the spread of war with no clear end in sight.

Turning to the escalating crisis in Gaza, Guterres lamented the devastating human cost. “The speed and scale of the killing and destruction in Gaza are unlike anything in my years as Secretary-General,” he said. Guterres was clear that no justification exists for the terror attacks by Hamas or for the collective punishment of Palestinians.

He called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasised the need for a two-state solution, posing the question: “How could the world accept a one-state future in which a large number of Palestinians would be included without any freedom, rights, or dignity?”

Another focus of Guterres’ address was the growing inequalities that plague global societies. “Rising inequalities are a second driver of unsustainability and a stain on our collective conscience,” he said, noting that inequality is fundamentally “a question of power with historic roots.” He decried the growing gap between rich and poor, highlighting that many of the world’s poorest countries are in a worse position now than five years ago, even as the wealth of the world’s richest individuals has doubled.

The Secretary-General also spotlighted gender inequality as a critical issue, calling it “the most prevalent inequality across all societies.” He condemned the rampant gender-based violence seen worldwide, from femicide to mass rape, both in peacetime and in conflict.

Guterres made an emotional plea for gender parity in leadership positions and criticised the lack of female representation in global forums. “This is unacceptable — especially when we know gender equality delivers for peace, sustainable development, climate action, and much more,” he said.

Climate change, an existential threat, also loomed large in Guterres’ speech. He framed the climate crisis as a “human disaster,” fuelled by fossil fuels and disproportionately affecting the poorest and most vulnerable.

Yet, despite the dire warning, he pointed to emerging solutions, such as the plummeting costs of renewable energy and its potential to create jobs, wealth, and energy security. Guterres called for ambitious climate action from all countries by 2025, particularly urging the G20, responsible for 80% of global emissions, to lead the charge.

On the rise of artificial intelligence, Guterres was equally candid, acknowledging its rapid advancement but warning of its potential to exacerbate inequality and deepen geopolitical divides. He reiterated the need for global governance on AI, positioning the United Nations as the ideal platform for fostering cooperation on this issue.

Guterres closed his remarks with a call to action: “Let’s move our world towards less impunity and more accountability — less inequality and more justice — less uncertainty and more opportunity.” He affirmed that despite the divisions and crises, a future built on the values of the UN Charter is still within reach, provided leaders are willing to steer the world towards it.