UN chief calls for AI curbs, end to wars in his last assembly address
Guterres has long pushed for global governance of AI.
On Tuesday, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, addressed world leaders in his final assembly speech. Guterres, whose second five-year term ends on December 31, called for global regulation of artificial intelligence, an end to conflicts, focus on climate change, and a reformation of UN institutions.
The former Portuguese prime minister urged leaders to regulate AI risks, as the UN’s Security Council prepares to host AI leaders for a briefing. Guterres also lamented the organization's internal struggles as nearly 130 world leaders gathered in New York, with several leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, missing the diplomatic meeting. Delegates applauded as Guterres defended a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians, demanded polluters pay for climate change, and pushed for UN reforms.
Guterres emphasized the importance of information sharing on AI safety risks, cooperation on testing and evaluation, and the creation of common safeguards. He urged leaders to advance responsible AI pacing and multilateral AI risk management frameworks, supported by independent oversight. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that Washington proposed a new AI safety notification mechanism for US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi to consider at their upcoming summit.
Guterres advocated for de-escalation and dialogue in the Middle East, calling for the cessation of fighting, continuous humanitarian aid flow, and restoration of navigational rights and freedoms. He criticized the UN system as bloated and ineffective, reflecting outdated power realities and interests. Guterres expressed his farewell to most global leaders, promising to continue championing peace and UN values.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
