Guterres Warns of Global Crises as UN Tenure Nears End

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the United Nations headquarters, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres says the world is deeply divided and the UN Security Council is paralysed in efforts to end conflicts, but he believes international cooperation can still help address the major challenges ahead.

Speaking in an interview ahead of the annual UN General Assembly, Guterres said he remained hopeful about the future despite the crises confronting the world. He is scheduled to leave office at the end of the year after nearly a decade as UN chief.

“I believe in a number of fundamental things that need to be done, and need to happen for the world to be better—and I’m determined to fight to make those things happen,” Guterres said.

His message to leaders and ministers from the UN’s 193 member states was direct: governments must seriously address at least three existential challenges—rapid advances in artificial intelligence, accelerating climate change and widening inequality, which is increasingly contributing to instability and conflict.

Guterres also warned that deep geopolitical divisions and the Security Council’s paralysis had created an environment of impunity, allowing powerful countries to violate international law and the UN Charter.

He cited Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and US attacks on Iran as examples involving countries that hold veto power on the Security Council.

“Many countries say, ‘If superpowers can violate the law, why can’t we?’” Guterres said, warning that more countries were acting without concern for the consequences because they believed they would face no accountability.

Conflicts Fueling Global Economic Pressures

Guterres said violations of international law and the resulting impunity had caused deaths and widespread destruction. He added that the Russia-Ukraine war and the broader Middle East conflict were having a “dramatic impact” on the global economy.

Food and energy prices are rising, interest rates are increasing and developing countries are facing growing difficulties in meeting the needs of their populations, he said.

The UN chief expressed hope that these challenges would encourage governments to recognise that the problems could not be resolved individually and required international cooperation.

He called for reforms to institutions established by the victorious powers after World War II, including the UN Security Council, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

According to Guterres, these institutions must be updated to reflect the realities of the 21st century, including the growing influence of emerging economies and powers.

Although the secretary-general has no army, intelligence service or substantial independent financial resources, he said he had two important powers: speaking out on global issues and bringing countries together.

Guterres acknowledged that geopolitical divisions had left the UN with “no leverage” to promote peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. However, he said he had remained firm in defending the UN Charter, the territorial integrity of states and human rights.

He condemned Hamas’ “intolerable” attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, as well as what he called the “horrible situation” created by Israel in Gaza, where the levels of death and destruction were without parallel in the history of the United Nations.

The UN, he stressed, must remain a reference point for values and principles rather than adopt a transactional approach to politics.

“Someone must affirm that the law of force cannot prevail over the force of law,” he said.

AI to Feature Prominently at UN Assembly

Guterres said the artificial intelligence revolution would be a major topic at this year’s UN General Assembly, along with discussions about the future of the United Nations.

He has called for international cooperation and safeguards to manage AI, describing the technology as a universal challenge.

He urged countries with advanced AI capabilities to exchange information, establish transparency mechanisms, introduce safeguards and work towards a multilateral system capable of reducing risks.

The UN is also facing serious financial difficulties, largely because of the United States’ failure to pay billions of dollars in assessed contributions to its regular operating budget and peacekeeping operations.

Guterres said the organisation had avoided a financial meltdown and was undergoing major reforms, including changes sought by the Trump administration.

Despite reduced resources, he said, the UN had maintained its activities and demonstrated strong control over public expenditure.

Guterres has worked with US President Donald Trump for nearly six of his years as UN secretary-general. He emphasised the importance of the US-UN relationship, acknowledging that it had sometimes been difficult and at other times easier.

He said the UN was currently cooperating with the United States on peace negotiations in Western Sahara and other parts of the world.

During a planned meeting with Trump on Tuesday, the opening day of the General Assembly, Guterres said he intended to discuss peace in Ukraine and the Middle East.

He expressed hope that these objectives could unite the efforts of the United States, the United Nations and the wider international community.