by Stefano Vaccara
NEW YORK (ITALPRESS) – The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, opened the last press conference at the beginning of his term with an image taken by physics: Newton’s third law. Each action generates an equal and contrary reaction. But, he warned, in today’s geopolitics, reactions are neither symmetric nor predictable.
The world, he explained, lives a phase of instability growing: international law is ignored, multilateral cooperation weakens, international institutions are under attack and cuts in humanitarian aid produce new crises, migrations and conflicts.
Guterres defended the UN role, while admitting its limitations: political leverage is often lacking to stop wars. “I would like to have the power to make them finish,” he said, recalling the organisation’s commitment to Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Libya and other crises.
Among the questions, also the one on the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina and the involvement of the U.S. security authorities, including the ICE, a shocking theme after the dead in Minneapolis. Guterres, who will participate in the inaugural ceremony, responded by emphasizing the symbolic value of the Games: “The Olympics are a time to symbolize peace, respect for international law and cooperation.” He added that, in the organization of the event, “Italian sovereignty must be fully respected”.
A diplomatic message, but clear: the Games can also become a moment to reaffirm civil rights and responsible use of force, themes today at the center of strong international tensions. Another central point was the future of the international system. Guterres reiterated that global problems cannot be solved by one power or by two opposing blocks. It serves a multipolar world with strong and reformed multilateral institutions, starting with the Security Council.
Great attention also to artificial intelligence, defined an unprecedented transfer of power from governments to technological companies. The UN will soon launch a global scientific panel and propose a $3 billion fund to help developing countries manage digital transition.
In summary, an intervention photographing an unstable world but in which, according to Guterres, multilateralism remains the only feasible way.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
