At the 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 77), António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, warned of the world ‘in big trouble’ on the first day of the high-level General Debate, on Tuesday. The session comes “at a time of great peril” underlined by the “geostrategic divides at their widest since at least the Cold War”.
Citing the Russia-Ukraine war, the former being the permanent UN member, that strengthened power division, and other alarming issues subdued by geopolitical tensions, he called on the “coalition of the world” to urgently overcome divisions and act together.
Guterres reminds leaders of their duty
Guterres highlighted that the world has enough food in 2022 but the problem lies in distribution. Therefore, he stressed on the need to clear the path of the export of Russian fertilizers and their ingredients, including ammonia. He warned that without quick action the global fertilizer shortage could quickly rise into a global food shortage.
The UN chief stressed on various issues outlining the global crisis. “A cost-of-living crisis is raging. Trust is crumbling. Inequalities are exploding. Our planet is burning. People are hurting… We have a duty to act. And yet we are gridlocked in colossal global dysfunction,” he said.
Noting global conflicts, dire financial situation, climate crisis and other issues Guterres said that technology remains unable to prevent red flags. He emphasized that “our world is in peril — and paralyzed,” noting that geopolitical divides are undermining the work of the Security Council, people’s trust and faith in democratic institutions, and all forms of international cooperation. He called on the “coalition of the world” to urgently overcome divisions and act together. He suggested achieving and sustaining peace, pointing to the widespread destruction unleashed on Ukraine.
Emphasis on climate action
Highlighting man’s “suicidal war against nature”, he said climate action must be the first priority of every Government and multilateral organization. Global greenhouse gas emissions need to be slashed by 45 per cent by 2030 to have any hope of reaching net zero by 2050.
Various UN diplomats, while speaking of various issues, heavily discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a UN member while.
Presidents of Poland and Lithuania, Andrzej Duda and Gitanas Nausėda, respectively, reiterated their countrys’ support for Ukraine and its refugees. While the latter also calling on other members for help.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Russian president Vladimir Putin’s current actions as “utter contempt and disdain” for the UN as the former continue to mobilize more reserve forces against Ukraine.
The 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 77) opened on Tuesday, 13 September. The session is the first in three years where world leaders gathered in-person in New York City. This year’s theme is “A watershed moment: Transformative solutions to interlocking challenges”.
