Looking around us, it is undeniable that the world is going through a tumultuous period, marked by impunity, growing inequality and profound uncertainty. It is against this backdrop that United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recently addressed the opening of the general debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.
Guterres’ words resonate as a wake-up call to the unprecedented challenges facing humanity. We are living in an era of rapid transformation, where global solutions and unprecedented cooperation are needed to ensure a sustainable future for all.
Geopolitical divisions are widening, conflicts are intensifying and new threats, such as nuclear risks, loom large. António Guterres warns of a dangerous trajectory that risks plunging the world into the unknown, a dead end with potentially devastating consequences.
Yet, despite these bleak prospects, the UN Secretary-General calls for action and solidarity. He stresses the need for each country to engage in resolving international problems and to participate actively in managing the transformations underway.
He recognizes that current challenges may seem insurmountable and differences difficult to overcome. However, he recalls that history has proven our ability to unite for the common good. He encourages us to continue on the path of cooperation and compromise, based on common values and a shared vision of the future.
António Guterres does not hide his concern about the continuing suffering of civilian populations around the world, particularly in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He underlines the urgency of action to end this violence and suffering, and calls on world leaders to assume their responsibility towards future generations.
The call made by the UN Secretary-General resonates as a reminder of our duty to demonstrate solidarity, humanity and leadership. We cannot afford to fail future generations, nor to shirk our collective responsibility to build a fairer and safer future for all.
Ultimately, António Guterres reminds us that it is together, by putting aside our differences and joining forces, that we can overcome the challenges of the present and chart a path towards a more hopeful future. It is in this vision of cooperation and mutual respect that lies the hope for a better, fairer and more sustainable world for all.