Davos : Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, said that the world is currently facing two profound new threats requiring greater global attention and action: the climate crisis and the unregulated expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), which threaten to upend life as we know it.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he noted that despite progress in areas such as renewable energy investments, technological advancements, and healthcare improvements, many global issues are worsening.
The Secretary General referred to rising sea levels set to overwhelm 13 of the world’s largest oil tanker ports, a consequence of rising temperatures and sea ice melt caused by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil, and natural gas.
He emphasised the need for governments to fulfil their commitment to prepare new, economy-wide national climate action plans ahead of the UN Climate Conference in Brazil, calling for a collective effort to address the climate crisis.
On the unregulated expansion of AI, the Secretary General noted its immense promise for humanity but warned of the significant risks it poses if left unchecked. He cautioned that AI could be used as a tool for deception, disrupt economies and labour markets, and undermine trust in institutions.
He highlighted the Global Digital Compact, adopted at the UN in September, as a roadmap to harness the vast potential of digital technology, bridge digital divides, and unite the world around a shared vision of AI serving humanity rather than the reverse.
