UN Secretary-General António Guterres, during a speech on Saturday, lamented the emergence of numerous "powerful forces" that appear intent on sabotaging global cooperation. This statement was made in honor of the 80th anniversary of the inaugural UN General Assembly, held in London.
Guterres, whose tenure concludes on December 31 of this year, issued this warning at the Methodist Central Hall in London, where delegations from 51 nations gathered on January 10, 1946, for the first session of the General Assembly.
The assembly took place in London due to the absence of a completed UN headquarters in New York at that time.
He acknowledged the significant contributions of the United Kingdom in establishing the United Nations and praised its ongoing support for the organization.
However, he remarked that 2025 has proven to be an exceptionally difficult year for international collaboration and for the principles upheld by the UN.
Guterres expressed, "We see powerful forces lining up to undermine global cooperation," asserting, "Despite these turbulent waters, we continue our voyage forward."
He pointed to a recent treaty concerning marine biological diversity as a testament to enduring international progress.
This treaty establishes the initial legal framework for the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine diversity in areas of the ocean that are beyond national jurisdiction.
Guterres noted, "These understated triumphs of global cooperation—the prevention of wars, the averting of famines, the securing of essential treaties—do not always capture media attention."
He emphasized their authenticity and significance, stating, "They truly exist. And they are important."
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