UN Chief Urges AI Regulation and Peace in Final Assembly Address

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used his final address to the General Assembly on Tuesday to urge world leaders to regulate artificial intelligence, end wars, and overhaul UN institutions, warning they are struggling with global challenges. Guterres, whose term ends December 31, called for a multilateral AI risk management framework with credible oversight, and defended a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians while demanding "polluters must pay" for climate change. He also reflected on gridlock as nearly 130 leaders gathered, with several major leaders skipping the meeting. The address capped a decade-long tenure marked by efforts to position the UN as a mediator despite major powers bypassing it and Washington slashing funding. Guterres also highlighted conflicts in the Middle East, calling for de-escalation and restored navigational rights.