NNA - In a special address at the World Economic Forum, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent global action to tackle two existential challenges facing humanity: the climate crisis and the ungoverned expansion of artificial intelligence (AI).  

Highlighting the forum's theme, "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age," Guterres emphasized the widening gaps in geopolitical unity, rising inequalities, and the need for updated governance systems to address modern challenges.  

"The world is facing a Pandora’s box of troubles," he stated, pointing to worsening conflicts, economic strain in developing nations, and the unchecked effects of climate change.  

Guterres underscored the alarming consequences of global heating, describing 2024 as likely the first year to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. "Our fossil fuel addiction is a Frankenstein monster, sparing nothing and no one," he warned, calling for accelerated action to transition to renewable energy and urging financial institutions to honor climate commitments.  

On AI, the Secretary-General acknowledged its transformative potential while warning of risks such as economic disruption, deepened inequalities, and misuse as a tool of deception. He lauded the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, a UN-led roadmap for AI governance, and called for universal collaboration to ensure AI serves humanity.  

Concluding his address, Guterres urged corporate leaders and governments to act decisively: "Now is the time to wake up to these existential challenges — and face them head on. Let’s work as one, in collaboration, to safeguard our future."

=========