UN Chief Calls for Global Cooperation Amidst Growing Challenges

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the 79th UN General Assembly, highlighting the unsustainable state of the world due to global conflicts and rising impunity. He urged reaffirming the UN Charter, respecting international law, and addressing issues collectively with effective problem-solving mechanisms.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized the current state of global affairs, deeming it unsustainable. Speaking during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday, Guterres emphasized that many challenges are solvable through cooperation and robust problem-solving mechanisms.

He underscored the importance of recommitting to the UN Charter, respecting international law, and enforcing decisions made by international courts. On social media platform X, Guterres remarked, "More and more countries are acting without accountability. This makes it imperative to reaffirm the UN Charter, respect international law, and reinforce human rights everywhere."

The Secretary-General highlighted global conflicts and tensions, particularly between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, warning that Lebanon teeters on the brink of disaster amid violence involving Israel and Hezbollah. He condemned both the terror acts by Hamas and the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, urging a focus on reducing impunity and boosting accountability, justice, and opportunity.

The General Assembly's 79th session's general debate started on September 24 and will conclude on September 30. The theme is "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations." World leaders are gathering in New York to address pressing global issues, including climate change, poverty, and inequality.

(With inputs from agencies.)