United Nations: United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has warned that deep geopolitical divisions are limiting the UN's ability to respond to conflicts, as world leaders prepare to gather in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly.
Speaking in an interview with The Associated Press and at a UN press conference earlier this week, Guterres said the world was facing three major threats: rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, the climate crisis and deepening inequality. He urged governments to cooperate on issues that affect countries around the world.
Guterres is due to leave office at the end of 2026 after serving two five year terms as UN secretary general. His final months in office come as the organisation faces major conflicts, financial pressures and disagreements among powerful member states.
Guterres has repeatedly raised concerns about divisions among major powers and what he describes as paralysis in the UN Security Council. The council has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, but its five permanent members have veto powers that can prevent action on major conflicts.
He has argued that the current structure of the Security Council no longer reflects the distribution of power in the world. Guterres has called reform of the council an urgent priority and said international institutions need to adapt to changing global realities.
The war in Ukraine remains one of the major issues on his agenda. Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire as a first step towards what he described as a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in line with the UN Charter and international law.
The war has continued since Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine is expected to be among the major issues discussed when world leaders meet in New York.
The Middle East will also be a major issue during the General Assembly. Guterres has called for the full implementation of the Gaza peace plan and unrestricted humanitarian aid. He has also repeated his call for a two state solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict as the basis for lasting peace in the region.
Guterres has also highlighted the continuing war in Sudan as another major international crisis requiring greater efforts to protect civilians and promote peace.
Artificial intelligence has emerged as another major concern for the UN secretary general. Guterres has said AI could bring major benefits in areas such as education, health and sustainable development, but has warned about the risks associated with its rapid development.
He has called for international cooperation and stronger safeguards to ensure that AI is developed in a safe, secure and responsible way. He has also argued that countries need to work together because the development and effects of AI cross national borders.
Climate change and inequality are the other two issues Guterres has identified alongside AI as major global threats. He has repeatedly called for stronger international action on climate change and greater efforts to reduce inequality.
The concerns come as the 81st UN General Assembly enters its high level period. The high level week runs from September 18 to 28, while the main General Debate begins on September 22.
World leaders and senior officials are expected to discuss conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Sudan, climate change, development, artificial intelligence and reform of international institutions.
The session is being presided over by Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh. Its theme is "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all."
Guterres is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump during the General Assembly. Ukraine and the Middle East are among the issues he plans to discuss with the US president.
Relations between the United States and the UN have faced disagreements over international policy and US contributions to the organisation. Despite these challenges, Guterres has continued to stress the importance of cooperation between Washington and the UN.
Guterres has said the UN's role extends beyond its ability to enforce decisions. He has pointed to its ability to bring countries together, support diplomacy and defend international law.
The process to select his successor is already underway, with Guterres' second term scheduled to end on December 31.
As he approaches the final months of his tenure, Guterres is using the General Assembly to press governments to cooperate on conflicts, climate change, inequality and the rapidly changing technology landscape.
His message comes at a time when the UN faces major divisions among member states, but also growing pressure to find common solutions to problems that cross national borders.