UN Chief: Urgency of Global Challenges Demands Bold, Swift Action

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirmed that the world’s multilateral system is under greater strain than at any time since the creation of the UN, requiring swift action to “do better, faster” in using the UN Charter and existing tools to forge greater security and prosperity for all.

In his address at the Security Council on Monday, which marks the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, UN Chief said: “We face unprecedented and interlocking crises."

He continued: “Tensions between major powers are at an historic high, so are the risks of conflict, through misadventure or miscalculation. It is time to deepen cooperation and to strengthen multilateral institutions, to find common solutions to common challenges.”

He also called on Member States to comply with their obligations, use existing tools to peacefully resolve disputes, and fill gaps in global governance to deliver on the Charter’s promises.

"Security Council members, particularly those serving permanently (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States), have a responsibility to “make multilateralism work, rather than contribute to its dismemberment”, he noted.

“We must cooperate; we must adapt multilateral institutions and foster trust where it is most needed,” he pointed out. “The urgency of global challenges demands bold and swift action.”

He told the council that the world is witnessing a deepening climate crisis, soaring inequalities, a rising threat from terrorism, a global pushback against human rights and gender equality, and the unregulated development of dangerous technologies.

“All these global challenges can only be solved through respect for international law, adherence to global commitments, and the adoption of appropriate frameworks of multilateral governance,” he affirmed.

“We need to do better, go further, and work faster,” Guterres said. “That must start with countries recommitting to their obligations under the UN Charter, putting human rights and dignity first, and prioritizing the prevention of conflict and crises.”