António Guterres reported an increase in global chaos
During the ceremony for the Mustafa Kemal Atatürk International Peace Prize in Turkey, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed serious concern that new technologies, including artificial intelligence, may not only fail to prevent violence but also contribute to its spread.
“We hear a lot of talk about peace, yet we see very little of it,” Guterres noted, emphasizing that international law is being violated and the politics of power are becoming increasingly prevalent, leading to rising global inequality.
According to the Secretary-General, technologies can pose serious threats if not accompanied by strict international norms and oversight. Artificial intelligence, in particular, can be used to destabilize and spread violence.
Additionally, Guterres raised the issue of increasing military expenditures worldwide, pointing out that essential humanitarian aid is being threatened and reduced to critically low levels, with the burden falling primarily on civilians.
The UN chief also highlighted the situation in the Middle East, stating that U.S. and Israeli strikes, along with subsequent actions by Iran, pose serious threats to international peace and security.
“These actions have already caused immense harm to the civilian population. The region is under tremendous pressure, which could lead to its collapse,” he emphasized.
Guterres also noted that the consequences of the conflict affect not only the region itself but also beyond its borders: supply chains are disrupted, energy and food prices are rising, which in turn exacerbates global instability.
In the Secretary-General's view, the way out of the current situation is through de-escalation of conflicts and the establishment of diplomatic dialogue.
During his visit to Turkey, Guterres was awarded the Mustafa Kemal Atatürk International Peace Prize, which he accepted on behalf of all UN staff, highlighting their invaluable contribution to maintaining peace and humanitarian assistance in various regions.
He also honored the memory of humanitarian workers, including UN staff, who lost their lives in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that their service serves as a reminder of the high price that must be paid to help people in conflict zones.
