UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on the world to honour its commitments to developing countries, warning that rising global tensions, conflicts, and climate disasters are hitting the Global South hardest and pushing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) further out of reach.
Speaking at a high-level meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Group of 77 (G77) and China, Guterres praised Iraq for its leadership during a time of “deep turbulence,” and urged global solidarity, dignity, and justice for the world’s most vulnerable.
“Amidst these struggles, we see glimmers of progress and hope. Our task is to keep pushing — to ensure the world keeps its promises to developing countries,” he said.
With just five years left to achieve the SDGs, the Secretary-General called for urgent reforms to the global financial system. He acknowledged the efforts of developing nations in transforming food systems, promoting gender equality, and creating jobs for youth, but emphasised that progress cannot happen without financial support.
He urged the international community to reform what he called an “outdated, unjust and unfair” financial architecture, giving developing countries greater voice, representation, and access to funding. Citing the Sevilla Commitment and the Pact for the Future, Guterres called for tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, overhauling the global debt system, and mobilising private capital at scale. He also commended the G20, under South Africa’s presidency, for navigating through uncertain times.
Highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on those who contributed least to the crisis, Guterres warned that climate chaos is reversing development gains and hindering access to clean energy. He called on nations to align their climate plans with the 1.5 degree C target, cover emissions across all sectors, and follow through on commitments made at COP28. Stressing that just 35 countries account for 83 per cent of global emissions, he said the G20 must lead the way.
“We need a step-change on climate justice, especially to deliver funds for clean energy, adaptation, and loss and damage,” he said.
Guterres also addressed the potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to drive development, stressing the need for proper governance. He welcomed the recent UN General Assembly resolution establishing a Global Dialogue on AI Governance and an Independent Scientific Panel to align global regulation and ensure all countries have a voice. He thanked the G77 and China for championing inclusive AI development and announced new voluntary financing tools to strengthen AI capacity and bridge the digital divide in the Global South.
Linking peace to development, Guterres warned that poverty fuels despair, and despair fuels violence. He cited a recent UN report showing global military spending reached a record USD 2.7 trillion this year — over USD 330 per person — while funding for human rights and development remains insufficient.
“This is a time of choosing. We must choose to invest in peace, human rights, and development,” he said.
In closing, the Secretary-General called on the global community to remain united in advancing peace, sustainability, and equity, pledging the UN’s continued support.
“We must keep working for a world that delivers peace, sustainable development, and human rights for everyone. You can count on the United Nations every step of the way,” he said, expressing deep appreciation for the leadership and engagement of the G77.