UN Secretary-General speaks in Davos UN Secretary-General in Davos: Rejecting climate commitments is ‘short-sighted and selfish’ UN
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, the UN Secretary-General recalled the threats facing humanity: climate change and the uncontrolled development of artificial intelligence (AI). He warned that the world is becoming increasingly controlled and expressed concern about the lack of cooperation between countries.
The Main Threats to Humanity
Antonio Guterres spoke on Wednesday at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, which traditionally brings together world leaders, heads of state and major businessmen. He approved of the forum’s theme, “Cooperation in the Intellectual Age,” chosen by the organizers, but noted with regret that he sees no signs of cooperation or an intellectual approach to solving common problems in the world today. On the contrary, conflicts, inequality and human rights violations are only getting worse, the UN chief said.
According to Guterres, nuclear war is no longer the only threat. Today, the world faces two new dangers: the climate crisis and the rapid, unchecked development of AI.
Fossil Fuel Dependency
The Secretary-General compared humanity’s dependence on fossil fuels to Frankenstein’s monster, which “spare[s] no one.” He drew attention to the fact that 13 of the world’s largest ports through which oil and gas are transported could be flooded by rising sea levels caused by global warming caused by the burning of coal, oil and gas.
The Secretary-General also noted that some companies and financial institutions are abandoning their climate commitments. This, he said, is short-sighted, selfish and will lead to even greater problems. “You are going against history, science and the desires of consumers, who demand sustainable development,” Guterres said.
The Secretary-General called on world leaders to fulfill their promises to prepare new national plans to combat climate change before the end of the year, when the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) opens in Brazil.
Artificial Intelligence
Guterres stressed that AI is both a huge potential and a serious threat. On the one hand, it is already successfully applied in the fields of education, healthcare and agriculture. On the other hand, left unchecked, AI has the potential to disrupt economies, undermine trust in institutions and exacerbate inequality.
The Secretary-General recalled the Global Digital Compact, which offers plans to harness digital technologies for the benefit of humanity and narrow the digital divide.
A Call for Reform
Guterres said world leaders need to reform international institutions such as the UN Security Council and the financial system to ensure they can cope with today’s challenges. However, this requires political will, which he said has been weak so far.
Join Forces
Concluding his speech, the Secretary-General called on countries and businesses to unite in the face of global threats and take action. “It’s time to work together for the future,” he stressed.