Guterres Calls for End to Wars in Final UN General Assembly Address

NEW YORK (Terror Monitor) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on world leaders Tuesday, September 22, to work toward ending all wars and establish comprehensive international rules governing artificial intelligence, as he delivered the opening address of the 81st session of the U.N. General Assembly.

Speaking at the U.N. headquarters in New York, Guterres urged political leaders from around the world to end ongoing international and regional conflicts and restore peace in areas affected by war.

Guterres, who is completing his second five-year term as U.N. secretary-general, is set to leave office in the near future. His address to the General Assembly was his final opening speech as head of the world body.

In his remarks, Guterres warned that the world has changed significantly while many international institutions still reflect what he described as a “bygone era.” He called for global institutions to be modernized and adapted to the realities and challenges of the present day so they can better serve humanity.

The U.N. chief also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence, calling for comprehensive international rules to govern the rapidly developing technology and ensure that it serves humanity.

On climate change and environmental protection, Guterres said countries and societies responsible for larger-scale pollution and environmental destruction should be held accountable for the damage they cause.

Guterres also reiterated his support for a two-state solution to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling for efforts to implement an arrangement that would allow Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.

His remarks in support of the two-state solution were met with prolonged applause from leaders and delegates attending the General Assembly.

Guterres is leaving the U.N. leadership at a time when the organization is facing significant financial pressures and challenges in securing sufficient resources to carry out its operations around the world.