Representatives from UN member countries filled the General Assembly Hall in New York, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivering the opening address.
His remarks, which warn of the erosion of international law and a worsening climate crisis, mark the start of a week of statements by world leaders at the iconic Green podium.
“Geopolitical divisions continue to deepen. The planet continues to warm. Wars rage with no clear end, and nuclear postures and new weapons cast a dark shadow,” Mr. Guterres said. “We are heading toward the unimaginable, toward a barrel of power that threatens to engulf the world.”
“We are moving towards a multipolar world, but we are not there yet. We are in a purgatory of polarity, and in this purgatory, more and more countries are filling the spaces of geopolitical divisions by doing whatever they want without accountability,” he added, urging leaders to adhere to international law, reaffirm the UN’s fundamental spirit of dialogue and affirm its charter.
“That is why it is more important than ever to reaffirm the Charter, respect international law, support and implement the decisions of international courts and tribunals, and strengthen human rights around the world, everywhere and in every place,” Mr. Guterres said.
Leaders from Brazil, the United States, Turkey, Qatar, South Africa, Iran, Argentina, El Salvador and Italy are expected to speak later in the day. Here’s the full list.
