UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk says the world can learn lessons from the 1986 Reagan-Gorbachev Summit in Reykjavík.
In a speech to the Imagine Forum on the 40th anniversary of the summit he said that “We need another ‘Reykjavik moment’ today. “
“In our increasingly fragile and polarized world, where some countries and leaders are willing to use massive amounts of force to achieve their goals, there is still a huge majority for multilateral solutions to global problems,” Mr. Türk said.
Problems can be solved
“Reykjavik reminds us: Problems can be solved. We need to resist narratives that tell us otherwise.”
The High Commissioner said on the one hand, the talks in Reykjavík in 1986 failed since the leaders did not achieve an agreement on nuclear disarmament.
“But the true value of that Summit emerged over time,” Mr. Türk said. The leaders “set out on the path that ultimately ended the Cold War. If General Secretary Gorbachev and President Reagan could help to bring humanity back from the brink of catastrophe, so can we.”
The High Commissioner pointed out that threats to human rights are growing, and shaking the foundations of peace, equality, and sustainability – including the multilateral frameworks “we have constructed painstakingly over decades to advance our shared goals.”
Furthermore, increasing conflicts, towering inequalities, rising discrimination, attacks on equality. the catastrophic threat of climate change and dangers linked to artificial intelligence were all enormous challenges.
Disinformation undermining social cohesion
“Disinformation campaigns powered by AI are already undermining social cohesion and straining democratic institutions; and the use of AI in weapons systems is extremely alarming. We are playing with fire. For our sake and the sake of future generations, we need accountable governance frameworks now, to get a grasp of this technology before it’s too late,” Mr. Türk said.
“These challenges threaten our lives, our values, our future, and the world we leave to our descendants. But Reykjavik, and the echoes of past discussions held here, teach us that these problems can be solved. “
Reykjavik showed the way
“Reykjavik showed the way,” the High Commissioner continued. “Now it is our duty to open spaces where constructive voices can build greater respect for human rights – the centre that holds societies together. This is the only way to achieve security, inclusive and sustainable development, and lasting peace – now and for future generations. “
In addition to his address at the Imagine Forum, the High Commissioner had meetings with Ms. Halla Tómasdóttir, the President of Iceland, the Prime Minister Ms. Kristrún Frostadóttir and the Foreign Minister Ms. Thorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir and members of civil society.