[…] Reflecting on a year in which the UN has seemed paralysed by divisions over the war in Ukraine, Guterres put those divisions in a broader context. “We cannot effectively address problems as they are if institutions don’t reflect the world as it is. Instead of solving problems, they risk becoming part of the problem,” he said, adding that divides were deepening “among economic and military powers, and between north and south, east and west”. […]
He called for deep reforms of the “dysfunctional, outdated and unjust international financial architecture”, including a $500bn-a-year rescue package for countries most heavily in debt.
On the climate crisis, he demanded a climate solidarity pact in which all big emitters make extra efforts to cut emissions and wealthier countries support emerging economies with finance and technology to do so. “Africa has 60% of the world’s solar capacity but just 2% of renewable investments,” he pointed out. […]
He was more unequivocal than sometimes in his condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its wider ramifications. “If every country fulfilled its obligations under the UN charter, the right to peace would be guaranteed. When countries break those pledges, they create a world of insecurity for everyone. Exhibit A: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” he said.
“The war, in violation of the United Nations charter and international law, has unleashed a nexus of horror: lives destroyed; human rights abused; families torn apart; children traumatised; hopes and dreams shattered,” he said. “Beyond Ukraine, the war has serious implications for us all. Nuclear threats put us all at risk. Ignoring global treaties and conventions makes us all less safe. And the poisoning of global diplomacy obstructs progress across the board. Läs artikel