January 18, 2024
2 mins read

Guterres calls for urgent action on climate change and AI

The Secretary-General noted that in addition to climate change posing risks to humans and the environment, many countries battered by “climate chaos” are also experiencing financial hardship…reports Asian Lite News

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for urgent action on existential threats posed by climate change, the unchecked development of artificial intelligence (AI) and international governance reforms.

He appealed to world leaders to take urgent action on climate threats and to ensure a just and equitable transition to renewable energy.

He also called on governments to work with tech companies on risk management for AI development.

Guterres then announced that the UN will host a Summit of the Future in September 2024 to consider essential reforms to the global financial architecture ensuring it is responsive to today’s challenges.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024, Guterres said despite climate and AI garnering significant attention, “we have no effective global strategy to deal with either”.

“Geopolitical divides are preventing us from coming together around global solutions,” he said.

Guterres sounded the alarm that 2023 was the hottest year on record with droughts, storms, fires and floods wreaking havoc on countries and communities and that the planet is heading for a scorching 3 degree Celsius increase in global temperatures.

“Let me be very clear, the phase-out of fossil fuels is essential and inevitable. We must act now to ensure a just and equitable transition to renewable energy,” he said.

The Secretary-General noted that in addition to climate change posing risks to humans and the environment, many countries battered by “climate chaos” are also experiencing financial hardship.

Flagging the risks that AI poses to human rights, personal privacy and societies, Guterres called on the private sector to join a multi stakeholder effort to develop a “networked and adaptive” governance model for AI.

This should be in addition to a UN advisory body on AI governance offering recommendations on the benefits of the new technology while mitigating its risks, he said.

“We need governments urgently to work with tech companies on risk management frameworks for current AI development, and on monitoring and mitigating future harms,” he said.

In addition to addressing climate and technology, the Secretary-General called for the need to update institutions and frameworks of global governance from the UN Security Council to the Bretton Woods system which were created 80 years ago.

“Rebuilding trust will not happen overnight, but I am convinced that it is both essential and possible,” Guterres said.

ALSO READ-Gaza: Guterres Warns of ‘Flames of Wider War’

Previous Story

Palestinian envoy slams UK ‘double standards’ towards Israel

Next Story

‘Climate change may claim 14.5 mn lives by 2050’

Latest from -Top News

Turkey’s Jet Roars, West Watches

It is visible that Turkey is intentionally reducing reliance on U.S. and Western military imports, especially F-16s and the failed F-35 partnership, to achieve strategic independence….writes Ankit V In 2016, Ankara announced

‘Op Sindoor’ Team Wraps Up Saudi Visit

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism….reports Asian Lite News Riyadh, May 30 (IANS) The Indian all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant

Visa Interview Pause Nearing End, Says US

India is the source country for the largest group of international students in the US and Bruce’s comments will be closely followed there….reports Asian Lite News The United States said the pause

White House: Israel OKs Gaza Truce

Hamas said Thursday that its leadership had received a new Gaza ceasefire proposal from Witkoff through the mediators and was studying it…reports Asian Lite News The White House said that Israel has

No Talks Till Terror Ends: India to Pakistan

The MEA’s strong response came at a time when Pakistan, pushed on the backfoot by India’s decisive Operation Sindoor, has suddenly started talking about its intent on having peace talks with India….reports
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Amazon’s ‘AI Ready’ initiative to skill 2 mn people in GenAI by 2025

These courses augment more than 80 free and low-cost AI

Guterres does not deserve to lead UN, says Cohen

Earlier this month, Guterres voiced his anguish over the suspected