UN Chief Calls Global Situation “Unsustainable” as Leaders’ Meeting Opens
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that rising impunity, inequality, and uncertainty are contributing to an “unsustainable world,” where more and more countries believe they can act without consequence. “We can’t go on like this,” Guterres said, addressing the General Assembly as its annual debate kicked off on Tuesday. His remarks highlighted the growing concern that many nations feel entitled to a “get out of jail free” card in global affairs, further exacerbating global challenges.
In his speech, Guterres pointed to worsening geopolitical divisions, endless wars, and the looming threat of climate change, warning that humanity is inching toward a “powder keg” that could ignite and engulf the world. He also expressed concern over the development of nuclear and emerging weapons, stressing that these elements are pushing the world closer to unimaginable conflict. Despite these grave challenges, Guterres remains hopeful, stating that they are solvable if addressed collectively by the international community.
Guterres emphasized that the global community must confront the uncertainty posed by unmanaged risks, the inequality driving injustices and grievances, and the impunity undermining international law and the United Nations’ core principles. He underscored that today, more governments and actors believe they can escape accountability, likening it to having a “get out of jail free” card, referencing the Monopoly board game. This dangerous mindset, he implied, is undermining global stability and security.
The world leaders’ gathering at the General Assembly took place amid a backdrop of increasing global divisions and major conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, with fears of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Guterres previewed his speech during the Summit of the Future, where he spoke of geopolitical divides, nuclear posturing, and the lack of a robust global system to address emerging threats, from climate change to existential crises.
