During the World Economic Forum, UN Secretary General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for global collaboration to address climate change and artificial intelligence challenges. He called out the withdrawal of financial commitments from climate goals as detrimental and urged leaders to adhere to international agreements. Guterres stressed the necessity of developing actionable plans ahead of COP30 in Brazil and proposed the creation of an international AI panel to promote informed policy decisions.
During the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed significant concern regarding the insufficient international collaboration in addressing the pressing issues of climate change and artificial intelligence (AI). He criticized the current geopolitical divides that hinder effective global strategies to tackle these challenges, emphasizing that both matters are crucial yet inadequately addressed by world leaders.
Guterres described the world as “increasingly rudderless” and lamented that despite advancements such as renewable energy investments and health innovations, many global problems are deteriorating. He also noted that financial institutions are retreating from climate commitments, which he characterized as “selfish and self-defeating.” He warned that such actions put individuals and organizations on the “wrong side of history” and the wrong side of consumer demand for sustainability.
Looking toward the future, Guterres urged leaders to fulfill their commitments by developing comprehensive climate action plans ahead of COP30 in Brazil, emphasizing that these strategies should aim to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He highlighted the dual nature of AI as a beneficial tool that, if unregulated, could perpetuate misinformation and distrust among the public.
Guterres proposed constructing an independent international panel on AI to provide nations with the expertise needed to implement informed policies. He stressed the importance of ensuring that AI advancements bolster inclusion, economic growth, and human rights protection globally, thus requiring collaboration across all nations.
In his concluding remarks, Guterres recalled the significance of addressing these challenges collaboratively while advocating for values such as peace and sovereignty. He called upon world leaders to intensify their efforts toward climate action, stating that 2025 must be a pivotal year for such initiatives. Guterres reasserted the UN’s commitment, urging that the time to act decisively is now, so future generations are able to look back with pride.
In summary, António Guterres urged global leaders to prioritize climate change and AI regulation without delay, highlighting the urgency for international collaboration. He reminded them of the consequences of neglecting their sustainability commitments and the need for cohesive policy frameworks ahead of upcoming conferences. Guterres’s vision stresses that taking serious action today will lead to significant progress and a sustainable future for the coming generations.
Original Source: www.manilatimes.net
