Guterres Urges World Leaders at UNGA High-Level Week to Reverse
Global CrisisNew York, September 19, 2025 ——
On the eve of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning to world leaders, urging urgent and coordinated action to address what he described as an escalating “global crisis” driven by war, climate change, inequality, and emerging technology risks.
Global Crisis: Division, Debt, and Inequality
In an interview with Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Guterres stressed:
• Geopolitical divisions: Conflicts are spreading while effective mechanisms for resolution are lacking.
• A climate of impunity: Some states act as though they can do whatever they want,disregarding international rules.
• Developing countries in distress: Many are trapped in debt with little access to fair financing.
• Widening inequality: The gap between the Global North and South is growing, fueling frustration.
Climate and Technology Challenges
The Secretary-General emphasized that climate change is still not under control, with the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target now at risk. He urged countries to submit new emission reduction plans immediately to avoid irreversible disaster.
He also warned that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, risk amplifying hate speech and social division if left unregulated. He reiterated his call to ban lethal
autonomous weapons and stressed that technology must “always remain at the service of humanity.”
Focus on Peace and Security: Gaza and &;Forgotten Conflicts;
Guterres highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, declaring that “the slaughter must stop” and calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages. He
reaffirmed support for the two-state solution as the only viable path to peace.
He also drew attention to Sudan and other “forgotten conflicts,” urging the Security Council to act in unity to prevent further suffering.
Reforming the International Financial System
The Secretary-General called for reform of the international financial architecture, noting that the post-World War II system is outdated and no longer reflects today’s realities. He
stressed that developing regions such as Africa and Latin America deserve greater representation.
“One dollar invested in the capital of a multilateral development bank can generate up to five dollars in financing,” he explained, urging member states to fulfill their dues and
increase contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A Steadfast& Stance
Rejecting despair, Guterres quoted Jean Monnet: “I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic, I am determined.”
He underlined that the UN must become more efficient, agile, and transparent, while leaders must shoulder their responsibilities to “reverse course before crises spiral further.”
Commentary
• Key message: The Secretary-General identified war, climate, and technology as systemic threats, underscoring that global governance is at a breaking point.
• Realistic challenges: Deep divisions among major powers and the UN’s financial crisis pose major hurdles to climate action and institutional reform.
• Diplomatic watchpoint: Whether next week’s UNGA High-Level Week delivers concrete progress on Gaza, financial reform, and climate commitments will be closely monitored
worldwide.
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