António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, addressed world leaders at Davos, urging immediate action on climate change and artificial intelligence. He criticized current geopolitical divides impeding cooperation and underscored the necessity of aligning national climate commitments with global temperature goals. Guterres proposed establishing an international AI panel while maintaining that AI should prioritize human rights. He concluded with a rallying call for leadership and optimism about achieving a sustainable future despite current challenges.
During the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for global collaboration in addressing the crises of climate change and artificial intelligence (AI). He criticized the current geopolitical divides, stating that they hinder progress towards effective global solutions for these challenges, calling today’s world “increasingly rudderless.” He decried the lack of a unified strategic response to both issues as fundamentally detrimental.
Highlighting the theme of the meeting, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” Guterres articulated that, despite advancements in various sectors, many global issues are deteriorating. He lamented the retreat of financial institutions from climate commitments, calling such actions “selfish and self-defeating” and admonishing leaders to recognize that they are on the wrong side of history, science, and consumer demand for sustainability.
Guterres urged leaders to fulfill their promises by developing national climate action plans by COP30 in Brazil, asserting the necessity to maintain a global temperature increase within 1.5°C. Additionally, he characterized AI as a double-edged sword, capable of both revolutionizing sectors and spreading misinformation if left unchecked. He insisted that AI should support humanity rather than control it.
To better harness AI’s potential, Guterres proposed creating an independent international scientific panel to ensure every nation can formulate informed policies regarding AI. He echoed the importance of placing human rights at the core of AI-driven advancements, calling for collaboration to ensure AI’s benefits are accessible to all.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Guterres pledged to tirelessly pursue peace grounded in international law and respect for sovereignty. He invoked world leaders to exhibit their leadership now more than ever, encouraging them to “stay on the right side of history” and intensify efforts for climate action, aiming for significant achievements by 2025.
In closing, Guterres reaffirmed the UN commitment to leading these efforts, noting that with determined action, future generations may look back favorably on our actions. Echoing sentiments from American writer Rebecca Solnit, he expressed optimism that while the climate emergency is critical, it is not too late to alleviate its impacts. Therefore, he urged all to embrace the challenge and work towards positive change, reminding that true skill is honed in adversity.
In summary, António Guterres’s address at the World Economic Forum underscores the urgent need for global cooperation in mitigating climate change and regulating artificial intelligence. He calls for world leaders to act decisively, fulfill climate commitments, and ensure AI serves humanity. Guterres encourages optimism regarding our capacity to create a sustainable future for subsequent generations despite current challenges. By stressing the importance of collaboration and innovation, Guterres ultimately calls for immediate actions that align with global environmental and ethical objectives.
Original Source: www.manilatimes.net
