Cyprus News Agency

Guterres highlighted humanity’s responsibility to build peace in today’s world besieged by global crises and raised the question: “What kind of world do we want to build?”

Stressing that the General Assembly is not just a meeting ground but also a “moral compass,” Guterres recalled the UN’s core missions of maintaining peace, defending human rights, and ensuring the implementation of international law. He added that the UN also serves as an institution of hope for people in crisis.

He stated that today’s crises have reached unprecedented proportions, pointing to global challenges such as hunger, war, climate crisis, fragmented societies, and rising sea levels, saying: “These are not just warnings, they are calls to action. We cannot ignore them.”

The Secretary-General said that weaponized hunger, sovereignties under attack, and crises deepened by inequality conflict with the UN’s founding principles, warning: “If we fail to act, we may lose our ability to act.”

Speaking directly to world leaders, Guterres asked:

“Do we want a world where the rule of law prevails, or a world where might makes right? A system where nations put their own interests first and try to destroy each other, or a global order where we unite for the common good?”

Emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation, he added: “The world is becoming increasingly complex and dynamic. That’s why stronger international cooperation is essential. Without multilateral institutions, this order could very quickly descend into chaos.”