Faced with escalating global tensions and “reckless” decisions that trigger dangerous consequences, the Secretary General UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday called for renewed efforts for peace, justice and sustainable development as he outlined priorities for 2026, his final year at the helm of the Organization.
«2026 is already shaping up to be a year of chaos and constant surprises."He told reporters in New York."
Guterres, who trained as a physicist before entering public life, noted that in times of profound instability, he resorts to fixed principles that explain how forces act.
Generate positive reactions
Among them is Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
“As we begin this year, we are determined to choose actions that will generate concrete and positive reactions,” he stated. “Reactions of peace, justice, responsibility, and progress in our turbulent times.”
Chain reaction
Today, Impunity is fueling conflicts, fueling the escalation, widening mistrust, and allowing powerful disruptive actors to enter from all directions.
"Meanwhile, drastic cuts to humanitarian aid are creating their own chain reaction of despair, displacement and death," he said, as inequalities deepen.
highlighted el climate change —"the most literal and devastating illustration of Newton's principle""—because actions that warm the planet trigger storms, forest fires, hurricanes, droughts and rising sea levels."
Transfer of power
The world is also witnessing "perhaps the greatest transfer of power of our time," specifically from governments to private technology companies.
«When technologies that shape behavior, choices, and markets and even conflicts operate without limits, Reaction is not innovation, it's instability"He warned.
Hegemony is not the answer
These challenges arise while systems for solving global problems continue to reflect the economic and power structures of 80 years ago, and this must change.
"Our structures and institutions must reflect the complexity and opportunity of these new times and realities," he said.
«Global problems will not be solved by a single power giving the ordersNor will they be resolved by two powers dividing the world into rival spheres of influence.
He emphasized the importance of accelerate multipolarity —"one that is interconnected, inclusive by design and capable of creating balance through alliances"—, but on its own it does not guarantee stability or peace.
"For multipolarity to generate balance, prosperity and peace, We need strong multilateral institutions "where legitimacy is rooted in responsibility and shared values," he stated.
Shared values
Furthermore, in the pursuit of reform, «The structures may be obsolete, but the values are not.", He said.
“Values matter, and people are risking everything to make them a reality. This is clearly seen all over the world.” whether it's a protester facing repression, a journalist defending press freedom, or an ordinary citizen standing up for their neighbor“,” the UN chief commented.
He added: Despite all the obstacles, the United Nations is acting to bring our shared values to life.
In this sense, the people who drafted the UN Charter "understood that the values enshrined in our founding documents were not lofty abstractions or idealistic hopes," but "the sine qua non condition for lasting peace and enduring justice."
He stressed that "despite all the obstacles, the United Nations is acting to bring our shared values to life" and will not give up.
Peace, reform and development
«We are promoting peace: a just and sustainable peace, rooted in international lawA peace that addresses the root causes. A peace that lasts beyond the signing of an agreement.
The UN is also pressing for reform and strengthen the Security Council —"the only body with the authority conferred upon it by the Charter to act in matters of peace and security on behalf of all countries."
In stating that there is no lasting peace without development, he highlighted measures to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reform the global financial architecture.
"That includes ending the crushing cycle of debt, tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, and ensuring fair participation and real influence for developing countries in global financial institutions," he said.
Climate support
Regarding climate action, he emphasized the need for deep emissions cuts this decade, along with a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
"We demand much greater support for countries already facing climate catastrophe, expanded early warning systems, and opportunities for nations rich in critical minerals to move up global value chains," he said.
The UN is also working urgently on a framework for technology governance, including through global dialogue, capacity building and the new International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The names of the 40 proposed members for the panel will be presented soon to the General Assembly.
AI for the developing world
Guterres has also called for the creation of a Global AI Capacity Building Fund for developing countries, with a target of $3000 billion.