António Guterres criticized world leaders in his latest speech on plans for the year before stepping down as UN Secretary-General. He stated that they are "dooming international cooperation to failure."
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres sharply criticized world leaders who, according to him, are "dooming international cooperation to failure" due to blatant violations of international law, while refraining from mentioning specific countries.
He also reiterated that he is "deeply concerned about the brutal repression in Iran."
Such statements by António Guterres, who will step down at the end of 2026, were included in his latest annual speech on priorities for the coming year, where he stated that the world is torn apart by "self-destructive geopolitical divisions and blatant violations of international law."
Additionally, the UN Secretary-General harshly criticized "drastic cuts to development and humanitarian aid," likely alluding to significant budget cuts to UN agencies made by the United States under the administration of Donald Trump as part of the "America First" policy.
"These and other factors shake the foundations of global cooperation and test the multilateral system itself," António Guterres told the General Assembly. "At a time when international cooperation is needed more than ever, we seem least inclined to utilize and invest in it. Some are seeking to doom international cooperation to failure."
Guterres stated that the UN is "fully committed to the cause of peace in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and far beyond, tirelessly delivering vital assistance to those desperately in need of support."
These three bloody, protracted conflicts have largely defined António Guterres's tenure at the helm of the UN. Critics argue that the organization has been ineffective in preventing and resolving these conflicts.
Donald Trump questioned the significance of the UN and criticized its priorities. The organization's highest decision-making body, the Security Council, is paralyzed due to tensions between the US, Russia, and China: all three countries are permanent members with veto power.
"As we meet today, the traps of conflict hold millions of members of the human family in painful, protracted cycles of violence, hunger, and forced displacement," António Guterres said.
Speaking about Gaza, the UN chief called for ensuring a "unimpeded flow" of humanitarian aid, and regarding Ukraine, he stated that "we must do everything possible" to stop the fighting.
He also urged for the resumption of negotiations to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in Sudan.
António Guterres also called for action against the abuse of artificial intelligence and efforts to combat inequality.
