New York, United States: On Friday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered remarks on UN Charter Day, urging stronger cooperation and warning against selective enforcement of international law.
Guterres spoke at an informal meeting of the General Assembly marking the anniversary of the UN Charter. He said cooperation was “the clearest-eyed realism” in a world facing shared dangers.
Guterres said no country could face climate change, artificial intelligence, pandemics or global shocks alone. He warned that retreating behind borders would not deliver safety.
The UN chief said cooperation must rest on rules. He said the Charter was “not an à la carte menu” and its principles were not optional.
Guterres said a world where rules apply only to some would create uncertainty, injustice and impunity. He called on states to uphold the UN Charter, international law and international humanitarian law.
Guterres said the United Nations needed reform to reflect current global realities. He said reform must strengthen the organisation rather than weaken it.
General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock also addressed institutional deadlocks and global crises.
Baerbock cited Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza and Lebanon while discussing the need for reform under the UN80 framework.
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Guterres said multilateralism had to rebuild trust through action and deliver results for people. He said peace, dignity and opportunity were linked to diplomacy, solidarity and sustainable development.
The UN Charter Day address came as the organisation faces pressure over wars, broken ceasefires and disputes over the application of international law.
