UN chief urges cooperation to tackle AI, climate, and inequality
Outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Thursday the world faces three existential problems—runaway AI, climate change, and inequality—but expressed hope for progress if nations cooperate. He spoke ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting. Guterres warned that geopolitical divides and Security Council paralysis have created impunity, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US strikes on Iran. He urged reforms to UN institutions and global financial bodies to reflect 21st-century realities, noting conflicts are driving up food and energy prices. The UN chief plans to discuss peace in Ukraine and the Middle East with President Trump on Tuesday. He also called for international guardrails on AI development, while noting the UN faces financial issues largely due to unpaid US contributions.