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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared that the UN's core principles face their greatest threat in the organization's 80-year history, as he addressed the General Assembly during commemorations marking the international body's anniversary.
Speaking at the milestone gathering, Guterres reflected on the organization's origins following World War II, when founders witnessed "a great war" and created "something extraordinary" in establishing the UN. "Peace is the most courageous, most practical and most necessary pursuit," he told assembled delegates.
However, the secretary-general painted a stark picture of current global conditions, stating that "UN principles are under attack like never before." He pointed to ongoing conflicts where "civilians are being targeted and international law is being violated in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and beyond."
The warning comes as multiple crises strain the international system the UN was designed to uphold. Guterres highlighted how progress toward Sustainable Development Goals has stalled while poverty and hunger continue to rise across the globe.
The secretary-general also emphasized the complex challenges of a shifting world order, noting that humanity faces the climate crisis while simultaneously moving "toward a multipolar world." He cautioned that this multipolarity carries inherent risks that demand careful navigation.
"To overcome these challenges, we must not only defend the UN but also strengthen it," Guterres said, calling for renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation.
Despite acknowledging the severe challenges, the UN chief reminded the assembly of the organization's past successes in addressing global problems. He concluded his remarks with a call for unity: "The only way forward is together. Together, let us rise with openness, courage and faith and fulfill the promise of peace."
The anniversary commemoration underscores mounting pressure on international institutions as conflicts proliferate and global cooperation faces increasing strain across multiple fronts.
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