UN chief urges interdependence in final address to world leaders

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made his final address to the General Assembly on Tuesday, urging world leaders to embrace "a world built on interdependence" amid widening global crises. He warned of fragmentation and mistrust as he prepares to leave office at year's end. Guterres cited raging wars, rising temperatures, and artificial intelligence as key challenges, calling for dense economic, political, and technological connections. The annual gathering of 193 member nations will focus on conflicts in Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Congo, and Myanmar, plus climate change and economic shocks. The UN faces a tough year, sidelined on major peace efforts and financially strained by U.S. arrears. Reform of the Security Council and succession for Guterres are key topics, with leaders like Trump, Netanyahu, and Zelenskyy speaking this week.