United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for stronger international cooperation to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), reform the global financial system and accelerate climate action, warning that growing geopolitical divisions and the concentration of economic and technological power threaten global stability.
Delivering his address at the opening of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Guterres said the world faces four major challenges involving peace and security, inequality, climate change and AI.
He warned that power is increasingly shifting from governments towards a small number of private corporations and individuals, particularly those controlling technology, data and computing infrastructure.
At the same time, global governance institutions have struggled to keep pace with changes in economic and political influence, raising questions over their ability to address emerging international challenges.
UN Calls For Global AI Risk Management Framework
Guterres said AI offers significant opportunities to advance healthcare, scientific discovery and economic development, but warned that rapid technological progress without adequate oversight could create risks for societies and global security.
He called for greater cooperation among countries leading AI development, including sharing information on emerging safety risks, conducting joint testing and establishing common safeguards.
The UN chief also proposed the development of a multilateral AI Risk Management Framework supported by credible and independent oversight.
He said governments must assume responsibility for protecting their populations as increasingly powerful AI systems become integrated into economies, businesses and essential services.
Guterres also warned against allowing autonomous weapons to make life-and-death decisions without human control.
The proposed framework would build on existing UN initiatives, including the Global Digital Compact, Global Dialogue on AI Governance and Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.
Reform Global Financial System To Address Inequality
Turning to economic inequality, Guterres urged reforms to the international financial architecture to improve developing countries’ access to affordable financing and address unsustainable debt burdens.
He said many developing economies remain constrained by debt obligations, climate-related disasters and limited access to long-term capital, despite substantial global wealth and technological progress.
The Secretary-General called for more effective debt relief mechanisms and stronger multilateral development banks capable of providing affordable long-term financing while mobilising greater private investment.
He also advocated reforms to international financial institutions to provide developing countries with greater representation in decisions affecting their economic futures.
Guterres said unequal access to resources, technology and financial opportunities risks leaving billions of people behind as the global economy undergoes structural transformation.
Clean Energy Transition And Climate Financing
On climate change, Guterres urged governments to establish national plans for transitioning away from fossil fuels, with clear implementation timelines and protection for affected workers and communities.
He described renewable energy as an increasingly important source of energy security and economic independence, noting that clean energy technologies are now among the cheapest options for new electricity generation in many parts of the world.
However, he cautioned that developing countries require significantly greater financial support to adapt to climate-related disruptions.
Guterres said international public adaptation financing for developing countries amounted to approximately US$34 billion in the latest reported year, highlighting the gap between available resources and growing climate risks.
He called on developed countries to fulfil their climate financing commitments, triple adaptation funding and strengthen the Loss and Damage Fund.
The UN chief also urged greater investment in electricity grids, energy storage and measures to reduce methane emissions and deforestation.
Middle East Conflict And Trade Disruptions Remain Concerns
Addressing global security, Guterres appealed for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities across the Middle East and the restoration of navigational rights and freedoms under international law.
He warned that ongoing conflicts threaten civilian populations and disrupt international economic activity, including food and energy supply chains.
The Secretary-General also highlighted the continuing conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar, calling for stronger international accountability and protection of civilians.
Guterres reiterated the need to reform the UN Security Council to better reflect the current distribution of global economic and political power.
He said the emergence of multiple centres of influence should lead to stronger international cooperation rather than fragmented economic, technological and security systems.
The address was Guterres’ final opening speech to the General Assembly before his term as UN Secretary-General concludes on Dec 31, 2026
