United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the state of the world is deteriorating amid escalating military conflicts and growing geopolitical tensions. Speaking ahead of his final address to the UN General Assembly, he identified the Security Council’s paralysis as a critical obstacle to addressing international crises.
Guterres attributed much of the dysfunction to the involvement of major powers in ongoing wars, which he said creates an environment of impunity allowing smaller nations to act without consequences. He emphasized that violations of international law have become increasingly common without accountability, pointing to the Russia-Ukraine war and the US-Israel conflict with Iran as prime examples of how superpower involvement complicates resolution efforts.
The UN chief highlighted the cascading economic impacts of these conflicts on global populations. He described how disruptions to food exports, fertilizer supplies, and energy distribution through critical maritime routes—including the Black Sea, Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, and various Middle Eastern oil infrastructure—have created widespread economic devastation. While developed nations may eventually manage rising fuel prices and interest rates, Guterres noted that populations in the developing world face increasingly desperate circumstances due to mounting energy and food costs combined with fertilizer shortages.
Guterres, who has served as UN secretary-general since January 1, 2017, will conclude his tenure on December 31, 2026. He stressed that the organization requires significant structural reforms to maintain its relevance, particularly regarding the Security Council, which he characterized as still fundamentally representing the post-World War II order rather than contemporary global realities.
The selection process for his successor is underway, with candidates including International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, former Senegalese President Macky Sall, and Ecuadorian diplomat Maria Fernanda Espinosa. The appointment requires approval from at least nine of the Security Council’s 15 members and must avoid vetoes from the five permanent members before final approval by the General Assembly.
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