A call for global unity by the UN Secretary General

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for global unity amid difficult global circumstances, stressing the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an important partner of the United Nations.
Addressing the SCO Summit held in the capital Astana, Secretary General Guterres stressed the need for collective solidarity rather than individual efforts to solve global challenges.

“These global challenges cannot be solved by the single initiative of any nation,” he said, pointing to the problem of raging wars, geopolitical divisions and impunity.
The Secretary-General noted the central role of multilateralism of the United Nations in advocating peace for sustainable development and enjoyment of human rights globally.
He called for immediate humanitarian ceasefires and inclusive governance in conflict zones like Gaza, Ukraine and Afghanistan.
Addressing the climate crisis, Guterres emphasized the need for ambitious emissions reductions and climate justice, saying, “Climate conditions are worsening, threatening water and food security and fueling political instability.”

He called on developed countries to adopt innovative financial mechanisms to support climate action.
Guterres highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable development while warning against the unregulated use of technology. He stressed the need for inclusive global participation in shaping AI policies.

Secretary-General Guterres said that global governance institutions are inadequate to address old and contemporary challenges and require reform. He has advocated for reforming the UN Security Council and preparing a new global agenda that reflects the reality of today’s world.