New York: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the G20 group to use their economic and diplomatic leverage to bring about peace, climate action, and fairer international financial institutions, stressing the need for countries to race much faster to tackle fundamental common challenges. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the G20, Guterres stated, “Our times are tumultuous, and we need to race much faster to tackle fundamental common challenges.” He highlighted the urgent need for peace, particularly in Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine, emphasizing immediate ceasefires and adherence to international resolutions.

According to Qatar News Agency, Guterres called for the G20 to lead in addressing these pressing global issues. He pointed out that ongoing conflicts are causing immense suffering and urged for decisive steps towards peace, such as an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon and meaningful actions towards implementing relevant Security Council resolutions. In the context of Ukraine, he emphasized
the importance of following the UN Charter and international law to achieve lasting peace.

Guterres also addressed financial disparities, noting that vulnerable countries face numerous challenges that are not of their making. He criticized the current international financial architecture as outdated and ineffective, advocating for ambitious reforms under the “Pact for the Future” to make the system more representative of today’s global economy and address the needs of developing nations.

On climate change, Guterres expressed concern over the slow pace of negotiations at COP29 in Baku. He urged countries to agree on an ambitious climate finance goal that aligns with the challenges faced by developing nations. Highlighting the significant role of the G20, which accounts for 80 percent of global emissions, he called on them to lead with national climate plans consistent with previous agreements to prevent a disastrous 3.1-degree temperature rise by the century’s end.