UN Chief Guterres Warns of Rising Geopolitical Tensions and Global Divisions

UN chief Antonio Guterres warns of rising geopolitical tensions and global divisions, saying smaller countries fear becoming collateral damage in competition between great powers.

During his address to Nepal's parliament on Tuesday, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that as geopolitical tensions rise, global divisions are becoming deeper and more dangerous, with smaller countries fearing becoming collateral damage in the competition between great powers.

Guterres Acknowledges Nepal's Contributions to Global Peace

Guterres commended Nepal's commitment to global peace and security, highlighting that the Himalayan nation is the second-largest contributor of troops to United Nations missions worldwide. He also recognized Nepal's role as a promoter of peace, a champion of multilateralism, and a staunch supporter of sustainable development and climate action.

Guterres Calls for Urgent Action on Climate Change

Emphasizing the disastrous impact of global warming, Guterres urged the world to act now to protect people on the frontline and limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He appealed to the international community to donate funding to help build resilience in affected communities.

Guterres Underscores Need for UN Reform

Guterres also underscored the need for reform in the United Nations, including the Security Council. He called for developing countries to have far greater representation in international institutions and proposed measures to reform the global financial architecture to better represent developing countries and respond to their needs.

Guterres Expresses Support for Nepal's Graduation from LDC Status

Guterres expressed the UN's commitment to support Nepal's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, underlining that this transition is imminent.

Guterres Meets with Nepalese Leaders

During his visit to Nepal, Guterres met with President Ramchandra Poudel and Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal Prachanda, among other dignitaries.

Guterres' address to Nepal's parliament highlighted the importance of addressing rising geopolitical tensions, promoting global peace and security, taking urgent action on climate change, reforming the United Nations, and supporting Nepal's graduation from LDC status. His visit to Nepal underscores the UN's commitment to working with the country on these critical issues.