United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, addressing the media at the start of the second European Union-United Nations High-Level Dialogue in Brussels, emphasized the need for multilateral cooperation to address global challenges, including climate change, conflict, and post-pandemic economic recovery.
“The Russian invasion of Ukraine has shaken the region and the world. Climate change is crippling countries that contributed least to causing it. Countless people escaping conflict, persecution and poverty are left to die,” the Secretary-General said, stressing that these crises underline the need for multilateralism.
He pointed to an uneven economic recovery from COVID-19 as a source of global mistrust, particularly between the global West and South, and called for transforming the global financial system to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals.
On climate change, he reiterated his call for a Climate Solidarity Pact and urged wealthy countries to mobilize resources to support emerging economies in reducing emissions, keeping the 1.5°C goal within reach. He welcomed the EU’s ongoing support in these efforts.
The Secretary-General also underscored the necessity for international action on new technologies, including artificial intelligence, calling for the establishment of common monitoring and governance tools to ensure technology serves human rights and the common good.
“The world looks to the European Union to help lead the way,” he added, expressing his confidence in EU support.
More about the EU-UN High-Level Dialogue
UN Chief António Guterres and a delegation of UN Officials are taking part in the second European Union-United Nations High-Level Dialogue.
The EU-UN High-Level Dialogue is now an annual event, which illustrates the importance of the partnership between the UN and the European Union. Discussions will include a broad range of topics, including climate ambition, peace and security, the digital transition as well as the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and reforms of the international financial architecture.
Additional links:
- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres: Press Remarks
- UN and EU leaders to discuss closer cooperation at High-level dialogue in Brussels, 13-14 July