New york: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared his unwavering commitment to advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating emphatically that he will "not shut up" on this issue. He emphasized the necessity of political advancement during his address at the 2025 UN Reham Al-Farra Fellowship session, highlighting the importance of self-determination for the Palestinian people in achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
According to Anadolu Agency, Guterres' remarks came amid his warning to young journalists about the "perfect storm" of contemporary challenges, including rampant conflicts, climate chaos, widening inequality, and unregulated artificial intelligence. He stressed that merely avoiding a resurgence of past violence is insufficient and that achieving a two-state solution is essential, despite potential inaction from the Security Council.
In his address, Guterres painted a grim picture of the current global landscape, which he described as significantly more perilous than when he assumed office in 2017. He cited ongoing conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the destruction in Gaza, and the escalating violence in regions like Sudan, Myanmar, and the Sahel. He also criticized the Security Council's inability to act effectively, labeling it as "paralyzed" and outdated, partly due to its lack of permanent representation from Africa or Latin America and a veto system that shields international law violations.
On the climate front, Guterres issued a dire warning, acknowledging his generation's failure in addressing climate change. He noted the world is on track to surpass a 1.5°C temperature increase, with severe repercussions for human health, food security, and global stability. He pointed out that current national emissions pledges are insufficient, amounting to only 10% reductions by 2035, far short of the 60% required.
Guterres also addressed the need for reform within the UN to amplify the voice of the Global South, highlighting that changes rely on member states' willingness to redistribute power. He underscored the growing economic influence of countries like Brazil, India, and China, contrasting it with global governance structures that remain rooted in the post-World War II era.
The Secretary-General further warned of the collapse in humanitarian funding due to reduced contributions from major donors, including the United States. This shortfall has led to disastrous conditions in communities facing hunger and lack of essential services. In response, UN agencies are streamlining operations to maintain resources for those in crisis.
Guterres concluded with a message to young people, urging them not to lose faith in multilateral institutions but to advocate for their transformation. He emphasized the indispensable role of strong multilateral frameworks in resolving global issues, encouraging youth to push for reform rather than abandoning the system.