Guterres at opening of UN General Assembly: Fissures have turned into canyons

In his opening speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that geopolitical divisions are deepening, while threats to the world are increasing.

“Fissures have turned into canyons,” Guterres said, pointing to the deepening of political divisions and growing inequalities.

He also devoted part of his speech to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Guterres said humanity is increasingly delegating power to machines, while autonomous weapons guided by artificial intelligence are moving from science fiction into military reality.

According to the Secretary-General, international institutions are not keeping pace with technological changes and new threats.

Referring to conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan, Ukraine and other parts of the world, Guterres stressed: “Military power alone cannot secure peace.” He called for stronger international cooperation to address crises.

His speech opened the proceedings of the UN General Assembly, as Guterres approaches the end of his term as Secretary-General at the end of this year.