Humanity has opened 'Pandora's box of ills' says UN chief
Guterres tells UN humanity faces grave threats, urges focus on crises disrupting global stability
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Wednesday that humanity had unleashed a "Pandora's box of ills," highlighting risks from runaway conflicts, rampant inequalities, the climate crisis, and out-of-control technology.
"Our actions—or inactions—have unleashed a modern-day Pandora's box of ills," Guterres told the General Assembly in a speech outlining his priorities for the year ahead.
"Four of those ills stand out because they represent, at best, threats that could disrupt every aspect of our agenda and, at worst, upend our very existence," he said.
Crises and challenges
Guterres delivered his remarks at a time of unprecedented polarization and crisis within the UN. The Security Council, the organization's top decision-making body, remains paralyzed amid global conflicts.
The war in Gaza has seen Israel and its allies challenge the UN’s neutrality, while peacekeepers in Lebanon and Syria have come under fire.
Experts warn that a return to the White House by Donald Trump could further complicate the UN’s agenda.
"Yes, there is progress in our tumultuous world," Guterres acknowledged, citing the relative success of Lebanon's ceasefire and advancements in renewable energy.
"But let's have no illusions: this is very much a world in turmoil and grave uncertainty," he added.
The UN chief’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead for the organization, as it strives to address the world's most pressing issues while navigating internal and external tensions.
Popular
Spotlight
More from World
Kremlin urges Trump to resume nuclear disarmament talks 'as soon as possible'
Kremlin spokesman Peskov claims U.S. has halted 'all substantive contacts' on nuclear matters
Comments
See what people are discussing