UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored two escalating global threats: the climate crisis and the unregulated expansion of artificial intelligence (AI). He warned that these challenges pose unprecedented risks to humanity, necessitating immediate, coordinated action from both governments and the private sector.
Speaking at the 55th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Guterres acknowledged the vast potential of Artificial Intelligence but cautioned against the dangers associated with leaving it ungoverned. He stressed the importance of international collaboration, referring to the Global Digital Compact adopted at the United Nations as a framework for responsibly harnessing digital technology.
“We must collaborate so that all countries and people benefit from AI’s promise and potential to support development and social and economic progress for all,” he stated.
Calls for commitment to climate action
Guterres also urged the private sector to uphold their climate commitments and called on governments to “keep their promise to produce new, economy-wide national climate action plans this year.”
Need for social media governance reform
In a special address, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez advocated for reforming social media governance across the European Union to combat misinformation and cyber harassment. He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of the Digital Services Act and expanded powers for the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency.
Historic initiative for forest conservation
President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo announced the establishment of the world’s largest tropical forest reserve at the meeting. The Kivu to Kinshasa Green Corridor Reserve will safeguard over 550,000 square kilometers of forest throughout the Congo River Basin.
“This historic, unprecedented initiative will transform not only our natural landscapes but also the livelihoods of millions of our citizens,” he remarked, adding that the initiative goes far beyond environmental preservation and includes economic development.
Optimism for ASEAN’s future
Moreover, as he prepares to take on the ASEAN chairmanship, Malaysian Prime minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed optimism about the future of the 10-nation union and Malaysia’s role within it.
“The spirit of collaboration and esprit de corps between [ASEAN] leaders is unique,” he noted, highlighting how closer regional integration in green energy has contributed to Malaysia’s emergence as a high-tech manufacturing powerhouse.
