Published on: 2026-09-16
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 16, 2026 UN
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday called on world leaders to remain faithful to the UN Charter, uphold international law, and step up efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and regarding the war on Ukrainian territory. He spoke to journalists in New York ahead of the high-level week of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, noting that this was his last such press conference.
According to Guterres, world leaders will gather at the UN next week amid deep uncertainty, as the balance of power shifts and the world itself is being transformed – and international institutions must change along with it.
“However, the renewal of our structures must by no means imply a renunciation of our principles. On the contrary, it should mean applying these principles with even greater determination,” said the head of the UN.
“The United Nations is not just a platform, it is a promise. Therefore, my message to leaders boils down to this: keep your promises,” he added.
Middle East: de-escalation as priority number one
Guterres stated that de-escalation in the Middle East must remain “priority number one, number two, and number three.” He called on all parties to cease any actions harmful to civilians and to ensure the possibility of safe and unhindered humanitarian activities, and also demanded the complete restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
“The only way forward is de-escalation, diplomacy, and dialogue,” emphasized the UN chief.
The Secretary-General noted that against the backdrop of events in the Middle East, one must not forget the severe suffering of the Palestinian people — both in Gaza and on the West Bank. He called for the full implementation of the peace plan for Gaza and demanded an end to the annexation of the West Bank.
“There will be no peace in the Middle East without the implementation of the two-state solution,” said the Secretary-General.
Ukraine: immediate ceasefire is necessary
Speaking about Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine’s territory, Guterres reminded that this is already the fifth year of war, accompanied by enormous suffering of the civilian population, “cascading” global consequences, and a lack of clear prospects for the conflict’s resolution.
“The time has come for an immediate ceasefire as the first step towards a just, durable, and comprehensive peace – in accordance with the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions,” he stated.
Artificial Intelligence: Global Guarantees Are Needed
Separately, the Secretary-General focused on issues related to the development of artificial intelligence (AI). He acknowledged that the technology has enormous potential to accelerate socio-economic development, improve education, strengthen healthcare systems, and enhance climate resilience. However, according to him, more and more specialists directly involved in AI development warn that the technology’s advancement outpaces the understanding of its associated risks.
Guterres stated that the foremost duty of any government is to protect its citizens, including from threats related to artificial intelligence.
“Actions at the national level are important. But global coordination is necessary. Because borders do not stop AI or the risks associated with it,” emphasized the UN chief.
He reminded that in order for policy in this area to be based on scientific data, the UN created an Independent International Scientific Group on AI, uniting the world’s leading experts.
“Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly be one of the main topics of my discussions with world leaders next week, and the United Nations will continue to explore practical ideas and approaches in the coming days,” the Secretary-General noted.
According to Guterres, the world needs a common understanding of how to promote the safe, reliable, and responsible development of AI while also determining when additional safeguards may be necessary in light of the development of increasingly powerful systems.
He acknowledged the existence of geopolitical disagreements and the “temptations” they generate, but stated that the world cannot afford a “race to the bottom” on AI security issues. The UN chief intends to elaborate on this topic next week in his speech to the General Assembly.
“At a time when the world is facing three existential threats – the unchecked development of artificial intelligence, the climate crisis, and unacceptable deepening inequality – international cooperation is needed more than ever,” the Secretary-General concluded.
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