UN Chief Warns Major Powers Are Undermining Global Cooperation

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that major powers are weakening global cooperation at a time when the world urgently needs unity to confront mounting crises. 

In his remarks on the occasion of the United Nations’ 80th anniversary, Guterres described the UN General Assembly as “the parliament of the family of nations,” stressing its role as a platform for dialogue, consensus-building, and collective action. He said humanity is strongest when countries work together, not in isolation.

However, the UN chief raised alarm that international cooperation is increasingly under strain. He pointed to ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, alongside rising geopolitical rivalries, as major obstacles to peace and stability. Guterres also warned of emerging global challenges, including the rapid development of artificial intelligence without adequate safeguards, growing nationalism following the COVID-19 pandemic, and setbacks in climate action and sustainable development.

Guterres noted that recent years have witnessed cuts in international aid, widening global inequality, and repeated violations of international law. He also highlighted increasing risks faced by UN personnel, saying staff members have been threatened and killed while carrying out their duties in conflict zones.

The secretary-general called on world leaders to recommit to the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for international law, multilateralism, and solidarity among nations. Without renewed cooperation, he warned, the international community risks further fragmentation at a moment when global challenges require shared solutions.