Abu dhabi: UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres emphasized that de-escalation must be the foremost priority in the Middle East, urging all parties involved to cease actions that harm civilians and ensure that humanitarian operations proceed without obstruction. He stressed the importance of restoring and respecting navigational rights in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab in accordance with international law, during a press conference at the start of the 81st Session of the General Assembly.
According to Emirates News Agency, Guterres highlighted the urgent need for de-escalation, diplomacy, and dialogue, underlining his commitment to conveying this message in ongoing discussions with global leaders. He expressed concerns about the world entering an era of deep uncertainty and urged governments to collaborate internationally to address global threats effectively.
Guterres identified three existential threats confronting the world: the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), the climate crisis, and increasing inequalities. He reiterated the call for a two-State solution in the Middle East, drawing attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and urging an end to Israel's annexation of the West Bank.
In addressing the rapid development of AI technology, Guterres acknowledged its potential benefits in areas like health, education, and climate change. However, he cautioned against the risks of AI development outpacing human understanding. He emphasized the necessity for governments to safeguard their citizens from AI's risks through global cooperation, warning against a race to the bottom on AI safety.
Guterres referenced the UN-founded Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, which aims to provide the best evidence on AI's opportunities and risks to inform global discussions. As world leaders prepare for discussions, he called for establishing guardrails that ensure AI is safe, transparent, and accountable, with human dignity as a central focus.
The Secretary-General concluded by reiterating the critical need for international cooperation, underscoring its importance in addressing these global challenges.