Warning for world leaders
UN chief calls for co-operation to tackle global challenges in chaotic times
Warning that the world has a bad case of “trust deficit disorder” and risks “runaway climate change”, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged global leaders yesterday to abandon unilateralism and reinvigorate co-operation as the only way to tackle the challenges and threats of increasingly chaotic times.
The UN chief painted a grim picture of the state of the world in his opening address to the annual gathering of presidents, prime ministers, monarchs and government officials from the UN’s 193 member nations. He pointed to rising polarisation and populism, ebbing co-operation, “fragile” trust in international institutions and “outrage” at the inability to end wars in Syria, Yemen and elsewhere. “The world is more connected, yet societies are becoming more fragmented. Challenges are growing outward, while many people are turning inward. Multilateralism is under fire precisely when we need it most,” he said.
In contrast, United States President Donald Trump defended an America-first policy, rejecting “global governance, control and domination”.
Trump’s claim that “in less than two years, my Administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country”, raised laughter from those attending.
French President Emmanuel Macron assailed self-interest in his address soon after Trump, saying “nationalism always leads to defeat”. He drew loud applause for his impassioned plea against isolationism and for global co-operation.
In his speech, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani took a dig at Trump over the issue of multilateralism — indirectly, if not by name. “Confronting multilateralism is not a sign of strength; rather it is a symptom of the weakness of intellect — it betrays an inability in understanding a complex and interconnected world,” Rouhani said.
Trump earlier had blasted what he called Iran’s “corrupt dictatorship”, saying he has launched an “economic pressure” campaign against the country. The US withdrew this year from a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.
Rouhani accused the US of trying to overthrow his Government.
Guterres also highlighted two challenges that have taken on “surpassing urgency” since last year: climate change and new risks from advances in technology.
“Climate change is moving faster than we are,” he warned. “If we do not change course in the next two years, we risk runaway climate change. . . . Our future is at stake.” Guterres said artificial intelligence, blockchain and biotechnology can potentially “turbocharge progress”, but also pose risks and serious dangers. Technology stands to change or eliminate some jobs and is being misused for sexual abuse, for terrorism and for malicious acts in cyberspace including disinformation campaigns, discrimination against women and for reinforcing “our maledominated culture”, he said.
“The weaponisation of artificial intelligence is a growing concern,” he added.