Guterres: World entering most chaotic era with UNSC dysfunction

In a stark warning on Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared that the world is on the brink of “an age of chaos.”

He highlighted the alarming state of the Security Council, deeply divided and incapable of addressing crucial issues, including the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

As the conflict in Gaza entered its fifth month, Guterres expressed grave concern that if Israeli armed forces continue their advance into the southern city of Rafah, it could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis with severe regional consequences.

The relentless Israeli campaign against Hamas, initiated after an unprecedented attack on October 7, has seen relentless airstrikes and a ground invasion, displacing over a million people southward.

During a speech to the General Assembly outlining his priorities for 2024, Guterres called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.

He also urged for reforms, including changes to the Security Council and the international financial system.

Guterres emphasized the urgency of addressing dysfunction that he deemed “deeper and more dangerous” than ever.

Guterres pointed out that the Security Council, considered the primary platform for global peace discussions, is deadlocked due to geopolitical fissures.

He noted that the current dysfunction surpasses previous divisions, stating, “This is not the first time the Council has been divided, but it is the worst.”

He highlighted the absence of well-established mechanisms, unlike during the Cold War, which aided in managing superpower relations in today’s multipolar world.

The Secretary-General’s warnings come against the backdrop of devastating conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, the Middle East, and other regions, leading to millions being displaced and in need of assistance. Guterres stressed the urgent need for increased funding to match the escalating global humanitarian needs.

In anticipation of the “Summit of the Future” scheduled for September in New York, Guterres urged world leaders to seize the opportunity to shape multilateralism for years to come.

He also called for the development of an emergency platform to enhance the international response to complex global shocks, emphasizing the importance of addressing the risks posed by the rapid development of artificial intelligence.

Addressing the ongoing climate crisis, Guterres reiterated that climate change remains the defining challenge of our time.

He urged humanity to “make peace with the planet” and emphasized the need for swift, creative, and collaborative action to establish ethical standards, promote transparency, and build capacities in developing countries.

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