Superpowers cannot solve world’s problems, UN chief says in final general assembly address
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a stark warning during his final General Assembly address, stating that superpowers are unable to solve the world's problems. Guterres argued that the state of the world is deteriorating as the UN Security Council remains paralysed. He described current global divisions by stating that "cracks have become canyons" and urged leaders to ensure the power of law prevails over the law of power to counter polarization. The address comes as world leaders gather to face challenges including war, climate shocks, and runaway AI.
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- ✓ Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that superpowers cannot solve the world's problems in his final General Assembly address.
- ✓ Guterres described the UN Security Council as paralysed.
- ✓ The UN chief stated that "cracks have become canyons" as the world faces four tests of power.
- ✓ Guterres urged that the power of law must prevail over the law of power.
What changed
Secretary-General Guterres delivered his final General Assembly address warning that the Security Council is paralysed.
Live updates
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UN Chief warns superpowers cannot solve global problems in final address
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a stark warning during his final General Assembly address, stating that superpowers are unable to solve the world's problems. Guterres argued that the state of the world is deteriorating as the UN Security Council remains paralysed. He described current global divisions by stating that "cracks have become canyons" and urged leaders to ensure the power of law prevails over the law of power to counter polarization. The address comes as world leaders gather to face challenges including war, climate shocks, and runaway AI.
Why it matters
The General Assembly high-level debate serves as the primary annual forum for global diplomacy. Guterres is concluding his tenure as the top UN official during a period of intense geopolitical instability. His warnings highlight a systemic failure in international governance mechanisms.
What is confirmed
- Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that superpowers cannot solve the world's problems in his final General Assembly address.
- Guterres described the UN Security Council as paralysed.
- The UN chief stated that "cracks have become canyons" as the world faces four tests of power.
- Guterres urged that the power of law must prevail over the law of power.
- World leaders are meeting at the UN to address war, division, runaway AI, and climate shocks.
Still unconfirmed
- Donald Trump claims Iran will make a deal after US midterms.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the General Assembly high-level debate regarding Security Council reform.
- Specific policy responses to the four tests of power mentioned by Guterres.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
- AP News — World leaders meet at UN as their planet grapples with war, division, runaway AI and climate shocks
- Al Jazeera — State of world getting worse as UN Security Council paralysed: Guterres
- theguardian.com — Superpowers cannot solve world’s problems, UN chief says in final general assembly address
- The New York Times — U.N. Leader Uses Final Speech to Issue Stark Warning
- UN News — Guterres: ‘Cracks have become canyons’ as world faces four tests of power
- AP News — UN chief says power has polarized the world and urges leaders to cooperate
- gadebate.un.org — Secretary-General of the United Nations
- The Guardian — Middle East crisis live: Trump says Iran will make a deal after US midterms
- UN Meetings Coverage and Press Releases — Amid Widening Global Fault Lines, Power of Law Must Prevail over Law of Power, Secretary-General Urges, as General Assembly Kicks Off High-level Debate
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