The world’s political and business elite, present in Davos, heard on Wednesday a forceful speech by the Secretary Generalwho denounced the lack of multilateral collaboration in a “world increasingly adrift,” threatened by two existential dangers: climate change and unregulated artificial intelligence (AI).
The speech was held at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forumthe exclusive event held high in the Swiss Alps where high-level politicians, heads of state and CEOs of some of the largest and most influential companies in the world rub shoulders.
António Guterres referred to the theme of this year’s meeting, Collaboration for the age of intelligencestating that precisely there is hardly any evidence of collaboration or intelligencebut abundant in the worsening of many of the world’s problems, from conflicts to inequality and human rights violations.
Nuclear war is no longer the only existential threat to humanity, he stated, noting the climate crisis and the “uncontrolled expansion” of artificial intelligence (AI).
Frankenstein’s monster
Comparing fossil fuel addiction to Frankenstein’s monster, “which spared nothing and no one,” the Secretary-General noted the irony that 13 of the world’s largest supertanker ports are about to be overwhelmed. due to the rise in sea level, due to the increase in temperatures caused by those same fuels.
The decision by several financial institutions and industries to backtrack on their climate commitments was described by Guterres as “shortsighted and, paradoxically, selfish, as well as counterproductive.”
Being on the wrong side
“They are on the wrong side of history. They are on the wrong side of science. And they are on the wrong side of consumers who are looking for more sustainability, not less.”
Ahead of the United Nations Climate Conference (COP30), which will be held in Brazil at the end of the year, the Secretary-General reminded world leaders that they must fulfill their promise to develop new national climate action plans to the entire economy long before the appointment.
Developing countries need a “financing boom” for climate actionhe declared, urging not only governments but all companies and financial institutions to create solid and responsible transition plans.
AI, a double-edged sword
The next existential threat, artificial intelligence, is a double-edged sword, Guterres explained. Because it is already revolutionizing learning, diagnosing diseases, helping farmers increase their harvests, and improving the targeting of aid.
However, if left ungoverned, it carries profound risks. It can disrupt economies, undermine trust in institutions and worsen inequalities, the Secretary-General warned.
The Global Digital Compact, which is part of the Compact for the Future adopted by UN Member States last September, offers a “path to harness the immense potential of digital technology and close digital divides”, with a shared vision of AI at the service of humanityand not the other way around.
Despite the challenges, Guterres affirmed that the UN will never cease its demand for peace, based on the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the principles of sovereignty. As well as the political independence and territorial integrity of the States.
Reform institutions, from the global financial architecture to the Security Council of the UN, is a necessity, said the Secretary-General, because governance systems are often ill-equipped to face current challenges. But these essential changes, to which world leaders committed at the Future Summit, will only be possible with political will.
Guterres warned: “I’m not convinced the leaders understand this.”
The Secretary General concluded his speech by returning to the theme of this year’s Davos, calling on the global community to face these existential challenges and work together.
Add Comment