Before the Davos Forum, the Secretary-General warns of two profound threats that could turn life as we know it upside down

In his speech before the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, the Secretary-General pointed to the Forum’s focus this year on cooperation for the smart era, describing it as “A noble vision”. But he said: “Let’s face it. When a lot of people look around the world, they don’t see a lot of cooperation. And in their mind, they probably don’t see enough intelligence.”.

He added that despite progress made on many fronts, including investments in renewable energy sources, technological leaps, and health advances, many of our world’s problems are getting worse.

Guterres said that the world is witnessing a proliferation of conflicts, some of which are reshaping different regions of the world, not least the Middle East.

He added: “There is finally a measure of hope with a ceasefire agreement and hostage release in Gaza, and we are working to increase much-needed humanitarian assistance.”.

Guterres said: “From the Middle East to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond, we still face an uphill battle. But we will never give up in calling for peace, but peace based on the values ​​of the United Nations Charter, international law – including international humanitarian law – and the principles of sovereignty, political independence and integrity.” Lands of states”.

“Frankenstein’s monster”

The Secretary-General of the United Nations spoke about the two new threats facing the world, the first of which is climate chaos.

And he said: “I recently saw an analysis that revealed a grim paradox. Rising sea levels will submerge 13 of the world’s largest ports for supertankers.”.

He added: “Our addiction to fossil fuels is like Frankenstein’s monster, sparing nothing and no one.”.

He noted that 2024 is likely to be the first calendar year to exceed 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

He said that breaching this limit means we need to fight harder to get back on track.

He explained that at the same time, “Another, more hopeful story unfolds.”Pointing out that the cheap and abundant energy provided by renewable energy sources constitutes an extraordinary economic opportunity.

He touched on the retreat of a number of financial institutions and industries from their climate commitments, saying: “This is short-sighted. Ironically, it is also selfish and self-destructive. You are on the wrong side of history. You are on the wrong side of science. And you are on the wrong side of consumers who are looking for more sustainability, not less.”.

He stressed that governments must fulfill their promise to prepare new national climate action plans at the economy level this year, long before the United Nations climate conference is held in Brazil.

Guterres said: “Now is the time to maximize our collective efforts, and make 2025 the biggest year yet for climate action.”.

Promises and risks

As for the second area of ​​existential concern, which is ungovernable artificial intelligence, the Secretary-General of the United Nations indicated that artificial intelligence holds indescribable promise for humanity, but “With this promise comes profound risks, especially if AI is left unchecked.”.

He warned that AI could be used as a tool of deception, could disrupt economies and labor markets, undermine trust in institutions and have chilling effects on the battlefield, and that AI could deepen inequalities by excluding those who do not have the resources or tools to benefit from its promise.

He said that The Global Digital Charteradopted in September at the United Nations, provides a roadmap for harnessing the enormous potential of digital technology and bridging digital divides. It also brings the world together around a shared vision for artificial intelligence – a vision where this technology serves humanity, not the other way around.

He added: “We must collaborate so that all countries and people benefit from the promise and potential of AI to support development and social and economic progress for all. By investing in affordable internet, digital literacy, and infrastructure that allows every country to harness the potential of AI.”.

The Secretary-General said: “Now is the time to wake up to these existential challenges – and confront them head-on. As a global community, we must shoulder this great responsibility.”.