United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a stark appeal to world leaders on Tuesday, warning that conflicts, climate change, and unregulated technologies are pushing humanity toward “mayhem” unless urgent choices are made to protect peace, human rights, and global solidarity.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, Guterres painted a grim picture of conflicts raging from Sudan and Ukraine to Gaza, calling on the international community to end external support fueling wars and to prioritize the protection of civilians.
“In Sudan, civilians are being slaughtered, starved, and silenced. Women and girls face unspeakable violence,” Guterres said. “There is no military solution.”
Turning to Ukraine, he condemned the ongoing destruction of civilian infrastructure and commended recent diplomatic efforts by the United States and others. “We must work for a full ceasefire and a just, lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter and international law,” he urged.
On Gaza, Guterres described the devastation as “beyond any other conflict in my years as Secretary-General,” stressing that the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures on genocide must be fully implemented. He called for an immediate permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and full humanitarian access.
The Secretary-General also spotlighted broader challenges, from Haiti to Myanmar and the Sahel, where instability is growing. “When accountability shrinks, graveyards grow,” he warned, urging the Security Council to live up to its responsibilities.
Guterres outlined five urgent choices for the world: peace, human dignity and rights, climate justice, responsible technology, and a stronger United Nations.
On climate, he said fossil fuels are a “losing bet” and pressed major economies, particularly the G20, to step up. He called for mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance for developing nations by 2035 and doubling adaptation funding this year.
He also warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. “Technology must be our servant – not our master,” he said, calling for universal guardrails to prevent abuses such as mass surveillance, autonomous weapons, and ungoverned biotech.
Finally, Guterres pressed for reforms to strengthen the UN itself, including a more representative and effective Security Council, a reformed financial system, and practical steps to cut costs while improving accountability.
“My overriding message comes down to this: Now is the time to choose,” he declared. “Power does not reside in the hands of those who dominate or divide. Real power rises from people – from our shared resolve to uphold dignity.”
Closing on a personal note, Guterres reflected on his upbringing under dictatorship and vowed never to give up on peace, justice, and humanity. “In a world of many choices, there is one choice we must never make: the choice to give up. I will never, ever give up,” he said to applause.
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