Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
January 15, 2026 UN
On Thursday, António Guterres presented his priorities for the year to the General Assembly for the last time as UN Secretary-General, pledging to use "every day of 2026" to advance a more just and secure world.
He described the current situation as a world "rife with conflict, impunity, inequality, and unpredictability," where international cooperation is undermined precisely when it is needed most. Despite this, the Secretary-General noted that the UN continues to champion key global priorities—from regulating artificial intelligence to climate action, reforming development finance, and humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
Concrete steps in 2026
In the coming weeks, Guterres said, the Organization:
will launch the work of the Independent Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence; will present the recommendations of the High-Level Panel on growth indicators "beyond GDP"; will begin monthly meetings with Member States on UN-80 initiative; will present initial assessments of possible mergers of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and UN Women with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); will continue review of peacekeeping operationsto make them “more efficient and adapted to modern challenges.”
UN reform
Speaking of funding crisisThe Secretary General stressed that the current situation cannot continue.
"Either all countries, without exception, fulfill their financial obligations under the Charter—which no longer seems to be the case. Or member states need to completely revise our financial rules to prevent a budget collapse," he noted.
At the same time, according to the UN chief, reforms are "much more than just numbers in a spreadsheet." He continued, they are about institutions that reflect the modern world: decisions must reflect the realities of 2026, not 1945.
"Let's look at the facts: every day, the share of global GDP held by advanced economies is gradually shrinking. Every day, developing economies are growing – in size, strength, and influence," Guterres recalled.
Three principles for our time
The Secretary-General identified three basic principles that should underlie all the work of the global organization.
The first is unconditional commitment. UN Charter.
"The Charter is not a menu from which to choose, but a fixed set of dishes," he emphasized. Violations of international law, he said, are occurring "in full view of the entire world, live in 4K quality."
The second is a just world.
The Secretary-General recalled the need to end violence across the planet, including Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, emphasizing that “peace is not simply the absence of war,” but sustainable development and respect for human rights.
Read also:
The President of the UN General Assembly called on states to "stand up for multilateralism"
The third is unity in an era of division.
He warned of rising racism, xenophobia and social fragmentation and called for building "welcoming societies, not walled citadels."
Peace with nature
Guterres stressed that climate chaos is incompatible with peace.
He called for accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, combating methane emissions, halting deforestation and ensuring fair climate finance.
Unity as a choice
“The choice is clear: inclusiveness or isolation, renewal or decline,” the Secretary-General said.
The world is changing, he says, which is worrying but also inspiring.
"The United Nations is a living promise: despite our differences, we will solve problems together. Let us keep that promise," he concluded.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.