UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at the G20 summit in South Africa. UN Secretary General at the G20 summit: the time has come for decisive action on the economy, climate and security UN
Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the G20 summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said world powers have a special responsibility to help countries facing the dire consequences of conflict, the climate crisis and economic instability.
The Secretary General noted that the world is going through a period of “troubled times”, where “conflict, climate chaos, economic uncertainty, growing debts, inequality and cuts in international aid” are leading to dire consequences for millions of people. At the same time, according to him, the sharp increase in global military spending is depleting resources that are needed in the development sector.
He emphasized that the G20, which consists of the world’s largest economies, can help ease the suffering of people and ensure a more peaceful and sustainable future. The theme of the summit is Solidarity, Equity and Sustainability – reflects the goals facing the world.
Economic reforms: “Africa must have a seat at every table”
Special attention Guterres focused on issues of global economic governance. According to him, many developing countries, especially in Africa, continue to face funding cuts, rising debt and an unfair global system. “Africa has become a victim colonialism doubly,” said the head of the UN, recalling that during the creation of international institutions, most African countries were still colonies and were absent from the negotiating table. Today, the continent, the Secretary General noted, is still “extremely underrepresented” in global structures.
The G20 summit is being held in Africa for the first time.
Guterres called on the G20 to help correct this “historical injustice” and support the reform of international financial institutions in accordance with the Pact for the Future. “Too many developing countries,” especially in Africa – find themselves at the bottom of global value chains or are excluded from trade altogether,” he added.
Consequences of the climate crisis
Commenting on the progress of the negotiations At the UN Climate Conference (COP-30), the Secretary-General warned that the world will have to do much more actively to combat the consequences of climate change. “Countries have not kept global warming to 1.5 degrees. Science tells us that temporarily exceeding this limit is now inevitable,” he said.
To limit risks, the climate change adaptation financing gap is urgently needed. Guterres called on developed countries to increase adaptation funding to “at least $40 billion this year” and meet their commitment to provide $300 billion a year by 2035 year and to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually for developing countries under the Baku -Belen Plan.
He stressed the need to replenish the Fund to compensate for losses and damages, as well as accelerating the global transition to renewable energy.
“Africa must to be at the center of an energy revolution: the continent has enormous solar and wind potential, but lacks the investment needed to realize it,” he said.
Put an end to conflicts
The Secretary General also made a call for an end to violence in a number of conflict zones.
So, he called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan, a cessation of arms supplies, and provision of prompt access humanitarian assistance and negotiations between the parties to the conflict.
In addition, Guterres emphasized the need for a resolution to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the terms of which “respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country” and address the root causes of instability.
He expressed “deep concern” about the situation in Mali and to all the region of the Sahel, calling on countries to unite to ensure stability, peace and security.
The Secretary General also confirmed his position on the need for peace for Ukraine “in accordance with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly Assembly.”
The UN chief again called for the implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza, an end to violations and the creation of a “political path to ending the occupation” that would allow the Palestinian people to realize the right to self-determination and achieve a two-state solution.
“And everywhere – from Haiti to Yemen, Myanmar and beyond – we must choose a world based on international law,” he emphasized.