UN chief calls for AI curbs and end to wars in his last assembly address

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his final address to the General Assembly, called for stringent regulation of artificial intelligence, an end to wars, focus on climate change, and a comprehensive overhaul of United Nations institutions. Guterres, the former Portuguese prime minister, reiterated his appeal for global oversight of AI risks as world leaders gathered in New York for the UN's 15-member Security Council to address the powerful technology.

The UN chief expressed disappointment over the lack of attendance from key leaders like Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Guterres defended a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians, demanded that polluters pay for climate change, and urged for reforms to international institutions.

He emphasized the need for information sharing, cooperation on testing and evaluation, and common safeguards to protect against AI risks. The US Treasury Secretary proposed a new AI safety notification mechanism for the US and China to consider at their summit. Guterres has long advocated for global governance of AI and in 2023, the UN established a 39-member advisory body on AI, comprising experts from various nations.

He urged leaders to advance the conditions for responsible AI pacing, multilateral AI risk management framework, and independent oversight. On the Middle East, Guterres called for de-escalation, dialogue, humanitarian aid, and restoration of navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law. The UN chief concluded by expressing his commitment to championing peace and the values of the UN Charter.