UNITED NATIONS: Deep global divisions and conflicts must end to clear a path to tackling the world’s two existential threats: climate change and the negative impacts of the AI boom, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana.

“The central goal of our multilateral system must be peace a pre-condition for sustainable development and the enjoyment of human rights,” he told Heads of States attending the world’s largest regional organisation meeting in Kazakhstan’s capital on Thursday.

Mr Guterres listed multiple conflicts where ceasefire and lasting peace are needed, from the Middle East to Ukraine and from Sudan to the Sahel, in addition to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Myanmar and Haiti.

“We need peace in Afghanistan and an inclusive government that respects human rights and is integrated into the international community. All countries should unite to prevent Afghanistan from ever again becoming a hotbed of terrorism,” he told the gathering of the SCO.

“These global challenges cannot be solved on a country-by-country basis. This is the moment to reaffirm our common commitment to multilateralism, with the United Nations at its centre, bound by the principles set out in the UN Charter, international law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” the secretary general said, cautioning that people were losing faith in multilateralism, as they point to broken promises, double standards and growing inequalities.

Turning to Artificial Intelligence, he cautioned that AI is advancing faster than regulatory frameworks can keep up, exacerbating power imbalances, concentrating wealth in the hands of a few, undermining human rights and increasing global tensions. He also proposed the creation of a compact, dynamic and flexible UN AI Office to oversee these efforts.

Erdogan’s desire

President Tayyip Erdogan said Turkiye, a Nato member, wants to be a partner in the SCO, adding there was no reason for it not be a permanent member of the group, broadcaster NTV and others reported on Friday.

“We are saying to include us here not as a dialogue partner, but as a partner to the organisation like the others,” Mr Erdogan told reporters on a return flight from the SCO summit in Astana. “It may take some time,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2024