António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN, underscores the organization's vital role in tackling pressing global issues like climate change and conflict. He advocates for urgent international cooperation to combat rising sea levels and highlights the activism of the new generation. Guterres also discusses the challenges the UN faces, particularly regarding its effectiveness in Gaza and the need for reforms in the Security Council to ensure broader representation. The conversation emphasizes the determination required to navigate crises such as the conflict in Sudan.
Guterres emphasizes the UN's essential role in addressing climate change and geopolitical conflicts despite the organization's current divisions and challenges.
The Secretary-General highlights the growing political activism among youth as a hopeful force driving climate action and pushing for change in leadership.
Deep dives
The UN's Role in Addressing Global Crises
The Secretary-General of the UN faces significant challenges in managing pressing global issues, including climate change, famine, and geopolitical conflicts. With the UN Security Council divided, coordinated international action on crises such as those in Gaza and Ukraine becomes increasingly difficult. Critics argue that Guterres should focus on unifying efforts to address these obstacles, despite the complexities involved. The upcoming Summit of the Future represents an opportunity to explore collaborative solutions to these intertwined crises, reinforcing the UN's potential impact in a fragmented world.
Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels
Guterres emphasizes the urgency of climate change, highlighting the alarming acceleration of sea level rise, particularly in the Pacific region. Reports indicate that sea levels have risen significantly, threatening low-lying atolls and dense coastal cities worldwide. For instance, cities like Shanghai have begun implementing meaningful adaptation plans to combat these looming threats. A key challenge lies in the need for developed and emerging economies to collaboratively mitigate emissions while addressing their developmental needs, emphasizing the importance of a balanced global dialogue.
Challenges and Hopes for Global Cooperation
Despite the bleak global landscape, Guterres identifies hope in technological advancements and the mobilization of younger generations pushing for climate action. Renewable energy sources are becoming cheaper and more accessible, indicating progress in sustainability efforts. Additionally, the growing political activism among youth brings a moral authority that could drive change in political leadership. Nevertheless, the Secretary-General underscores the urgent need for immediate and unified action among nations to combat current crises, emphasizing the importance of determination over optimism.
As world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, Gideon Rachman speaks to António Guterres, secretary-general of the UN. Guterres explains why he thinks the organisation remains indispensable - as the world struggles to get to grips with an array of daunting global challenges - including war and climate change.