At the World Economic Forum, UN Secretary General António Guterres stressed the urgent need for collaboration on climate change and artificial intelligence, citing geopolitical divides as barriers. He criticized industries retracting climate commitments and urged adherence to sustainability goals. Guterres also advocated for regulated AI as a tool for inclusive progress. He concluded by calling for immediate leadership to tackle these pressing global challenges.
At the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed his concerns regarding the lack of international cooperation to tackle the urgent challenges posed by climate change and artificial intelligence (AI). He described the current state of the world as “increasingly rudderless,” emphasizing that geopolitical divides hinder a unified approach to these global crises.
Guterres criticized the insufficient collaborative efforts amidst discussions on climate and AI, stating, “When many people look around the world, they do not see much collaboration. And, perhaps to their minds, not enough intelligence.” He pointed out that despite progress in renewable energy and health, many global issues continue to escalate.
He lamented a trend among financial institutions and industries retreating from climate commitments, labeling this behavior as “selfish and also self-defeating.” Guterres urged industries to align with consumer desires for sustainability, stating, “You are on the wrong side of history. You are on the wrong side of science.” He reminded world leaders to honor their promises and produce comprehensive climate action plans before COP30.
On the topic of AI, Guterres acknowledged its revolutionary potential yet warned of the risks associated with unregulated technologies. He advocated for AI to serve humanity, not the other way around, proposing the establishment of an independent international scientific panel to guide informed AI policy decisions.
Guterres highlighted the necessity for global collaboration to leverage AI’s potential for development and social progress. “We must collaborate so that all countries and people benefit from AI’s promise and potential,” he asserted, urging leaders to prioritize human rights in developing AI systems.
He concluded by calling for resilient leadership from world leaders, emphasizing the urgency for immediate action, stating, “Do not back down. Stay on the right side of history.” This call was illustrated by a vision for 2025 to be a pivotal year for climate action, reinforcing the UN’s commitment to this mission.
In the face of adversity, Guterres conveyed optimism, quoting Mary Anne Hitt regarding accountability to future generations: “We can look our kids in the eye and tell them that we did not let them down.” American writer Rebecca Solnit similarly noted in her book that while the climate emergency is severe, it is not too late to act, as available solutions still exist. “The outcome is not decided. We are deciding it now,” she asserted. This illustrates the essence of collective action moving forward.
In summary, António Guterres emphasizes the critical need for international collaboration to address the dual challenges of climate change and artificial intelligence. He urges leaders to uphold commitments to sustainability and create informed policies around AI while centering human rights. A focus on immediate actions and strategic plans is essential in surpassing current global crises, ensuring a better world for future generations.
Original Source: www.manilatimes.net
