By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday spoke at a high-level meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Group of 77 and China, and praised Iraq for its leadership during a time of “deep turbulence,” and urged global solidarity, dignity, and justice for the world’s most vulnerable.
Guterres called on the world to honor its commitments to developing countries, warning that rising global tensions, conflicts, and climate disasters are hitting the Global South hardest and pushing the Sustainable Development Goals out of reach.
He said “Amidst these struggles, we see glimmers of progress and hope. Our task is to keep pushing — to ensure the world keeps its promises to developing countries,” he said.
Guterres called for urgent reforms to the global financial system.
He acknowledged the efforts of developing nations in transforming food systems, promoting gender equality, and creating jobs for youth, but emphasized that progress cannot happen without financial support.
Guterres urged the international community to reform what he called an “outdated, unjust and unfair” financial architecture, giving developing countries greater voice, representation, and access to funding.
He cited the Sevilla Commitment and the Pact for the Future.
SG called for tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, overhauling the global debt system, and mobilizing private capital at scale.
He also commended the G20, under South Africa’s presidency, for navigating through uncertain times.
Guterres highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on those who contributed least to the crisis.
He warned that climate chaos is reversing development gains and hindering access to clean energy.
SG called on nations to align their climate plans with the 1.5 degree C target, cover emissions across all sectors, and follow through on commitments made at COP28.
He stressed that just 35 countries account for 83 per cent of global emissions, he said the G20 must lead the way.
“We need a step-change on climate justice, especially to deliver funds for clean energy, adaptation, and loss and damage,” he said.
Guterres also addressed the potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to drive development, stressed the need for proper governance.
He welcomed the recent UN General Assembly resolution establishing a Global Dialogue on AI Governance and an Independent Scientific Panel to align global regulation and ensure all countries have a voice.
SG thanked the G77 and China for championing inclusive AI development and announced new voluntary financing tools to strengthen AI capacity and bridge the digital divide in the Global South.
Guterres linking peace to development warned that poverty fuels despair, and despair fuels violence.
He cited a UN report showing global military spending reached a record USD 2.7 trillion this year over USD 330 per person while funding for human rights and development remains insufficient.
“This is a time of choosing. We must choose to invest in peace, human rights, and development,” he said.
He called on the global community to remain united in advancing peace, sustainability, and equity, pledging the UN’s continued support.
“We must keep working for a world that delivers peace, sustainable development, and human rights for everyone. You can count on the United Nations every step of the way,” he said.
He expressed deep appreciation for the leadership and engagement of the G77.
