“Our future will be shaped by how we address four great tests of power”, said the UN chief, citing war, inequality, climate change and AI.

Addressing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar, he warned that “these and so many other conflicts show what happens when power gets out of control”, as force outpaces diplomacy and accountability erodes.

One way to address this problem is to reform the Security Council.  “A 21st century Security Council without permanent African representation is unjust and indefensible,” he said.

Gender parity achieved at UN

Describing inequality as “a power problem”, he spotlighted efforts to reform the international financial architecture and tackle gender inequality.  Noting that the UN has achieved gender parity for the first time across all senior leadership, Headquarters and professional staff, he stressed:  “Equality is not a dream.  It is a decision.”

Turning to the climate crisis, Guterres urged all Governments to adopt plans to transition away from fossil fuels in line with the 1.5-degree goal, calling on developed countries to increase support for vulnerable nations.

On AI, he warned:  “The danger is not technology.  The danger is technology without accountability.”  He called on Governments to strengthen dialogue, transparency, trust and cooperation.