United Nations: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stern warning on Thursday, emphasizing that the world’s pressing problems cannot be solved by “one power calling the shots.” Speaking from the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres highlighted the erosion of international law and the weakening of multilateral cooperation as serious threats to global stability.
Although he did not explicitly name any country, his remarks came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump launched his so-called “Board of Peace,” initially intended to oversee Gaza’s fragile ceasefire but envisioned by Trump to assume a broader role in global conflict management. The Secretary-General’s caution reflects concerns among some global powers over unilateral approaches to international crises that bypass established multilateral frameworks.
Guterres stressed that challenges such as armed conflicts, climate change, inequality, and geopolitical tensions require cooperative solutions that respect international norms. “Global problems will not be solved by one power calling the shots,” he said, underscoring the necessity for countries to engage collaboratively through the UN and other multilateral mechanisms.
The Secretary-General reiterated the UN’s role as a neutral platform where dialogue, diplomacy, and consensus-building can prevent the dominance of any single actor from determining global outcomes. He warned that selective adherence to international law and unilateral actions not only undermine the credibility of global institutions but also risk deepening divisions among nations.
Guterres’ remarks come amid a period of heightened international uncertainty, with disputes in multiple regions and rising geopolitical rivalries challenging the UN’s traditional role as a mediator and coordinator of peace and development efforts. He called on all member states to reaffirm their commitment to cooperative solutions, multilateralism, and respect for the rule of law as essential to maintaining global peace and security.
“Only through shared responsibility, dialogue, and adherence to agreed norms can the world confront the complex challenges that affect all people,” Guterres concluded, reinforcing the UN’s enduring call for unity and collaboration in addressing the crises of the 21st century.