Guterres, who trained as a physicist before entering public life, said that in times of profound change, he returns to fixed principles that explain how forces act.
Generating ‘positive reactions’
Among them is Newton’s Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
“As we begin this year, we are determined to choose actions that generate concrete and positive reactions,” he said.
“Reactions of peace, justice, responsibility and progress in our turbulent times.”
Chain reaction
Today, impunity is driving conflicts: fueling escalation, widening mistrust, and allowing powerful saboteurs to enter from all directions.
“Meanwhile, The drastic reduction in humanitarian aid is generating its own chain reactions of despair, displacement and death.”, as inequalities deepen.
Highlighted climate change – “the most literal and devastating illustration of Newton’s principle” – as actions that warm the planet trigger storms, wildfires, hurricanes, droughts and rising sea levels.
change of power
The world is also witnessing “perhaps the The greatest transfer of power of our times.”that is, from governments to private technology companies.
“When technologies that shape behavior, elections, markets and even conflict operate without security barriers, the reaction is not innovation, but instability,” he warned.
Hegemony is not the answer
These challenges occur as global problem-solving systems continue to reflect the economic and power structures of 80 years ago and this must change.
“Our structures and institutions must reflect the complexity – and opportunity – of these new times and realities,” he stated.
“Global problems will not be solved if a single power makes the decisions. Nor will they be resolved by two powers that divide the world into rival spheres of influence.”
He highlighted the importance of accelerating multipolarity – “one that is interconnected, inclusive by design and capable of creating balance through partnerships” – but which alone does not guarantee stability or peace.
“For multipolarity to create balance, prosperity and peace, we need strong multilateral institutions where legitimacy is rooted in shared responsibility and values,” he said.
Shared values
Furthermore, in the pursuit of reform, “Structures may be obsolete, but values are not.“, said.
In this sense, those who wrote the United Nations Charter “understood that the values enshrined in our founding documents were not lofty abstractions or idealistic hopes” but “the sine qua non of lasting peace and lasting justice.”
He said that “despite all obstacles, the United Nations is acting to bring our shared values to life” and will not give up.
Peace, reform and development
“Are pressing for peace – a just and sustainable peace based on international law. Peace that addresses the root causes. “Peace that lasts beyond the signing of an agreement.”
The UN is also pushing for reform and strengthen the Security Council – “the only body with the authority established in the Charter to act for peace and security on behalf of all countries.”
After affirming that there is no lasting peace without development, he highlighted the measures to Accelerate progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and reform the global financial architecture,
“That includes ending the crushing debt cycle, tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks and ensuring developing countries a fair share and real influence in global financial institutions,” he said.
Climate support
On climate action, he highlighted the need for deep emissions cuts this decade along with a fair and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
“We demand much greater support for countries already facing climate catastrophe.expanded early warning systems, opportunities for nations rich in critical minerals to scale global value chains,” he said.
The UN is also urgently working towards a framework for technological governance, including through global dialogue, supporting the capabilities of developing countries and the new International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The names of the proposed 40 panel members will be presented to the General Assembly soon.
AI for the developing world
Guterres has also called for the creation of a Global AI Capacity Building Fund for developing countries, with a target of $3 billion.
“As we begin this year, we are determined to choose actions that generate concrete and positive reactions,” he said.
“Reactions of peace, justice, responsibility and progress in our turbulent times.”