On September 22, 2026, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke at the 81st UN General Assembly, expressing concern over the devastating situation in Gaza. He stated that during his ten-year tenure, a massacre and destruction occurred in Gaza without precedent. Guterres emphasized the need to preserve the two-state solution in Palestine, warning that it must not be allowed to disappear.
Guterres also addressed the broader issue of global conflicts, noting that the world is experiencing increased divisions and intensified inequalities. He lamented that civilians have been targeted, human rights have been violated, and humanitarian workers have been killed. The Secretary-General stressed that the international community must work together to address these challenges and prevent further escalation.
The Secretary-General highlighted the shifting nature of power in the world, where authority is increasingly moving from states and governments to technological companies. He expressed concern over the rise of artificial intelligence and lethal autonomous weapons, warning that these developments pose significant risks to global security and stability.
Guterres specifically addressed the situation in the Middle East, where conflicts are intensifying. He criticized the current state of ceasefires, describing them as "small-scale" and ineffective in protecting civilians. The Secretary-General emphasized the need for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to achieving peace in the region.
The Secretary-General also drew attention to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, where violence, displacement, and colonial expansion are blocking the path to peace. He warned of the danger of ethnic cleansing and reiterated the need to preserve the two-state solution. Guterres emphasized that the international community must work together to address these challenges and prevent further escalation.
Guterres called for reforms to the UN Security Council, arguing that it must be restructured to reflect the current global landscape. He emphasized that the Council must be more representative, inclusive, and effective in addressing the challenges of the 21st century. The Secretary-General specifically highlighted the need for African representation on the Council, describing the current lack of representation as "unjust and indefensible."
In his address, Guterres also emphasized the need for collective action to address the climate crisis, which he described as a major threat to global security and stability. He called on those responsible for causing the crisis to take greater action to repair the damage and prevent further harm. The Secretary-General concluded by reaffirming his commitment to defending the principles of the UN Charter, both during and after his tenure.
Key points
- The UN Secretary-General called for the preservation of the two-state solution in Palestine.
- Guterres emphasized the need for reforms to the UN Security Council to reflect the current global landscape.
- The Secretary-General highlighted the need for collective action to address the climate crisis.
