UN China UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin, China.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for strengthening multilateralism – and appealed for peace in Gaza, Ukraine and beyond – in remarks to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China, on Monday.
The Eurasian bloc, comprising 10 member states, is the world’s largest regional organization by population and geography.
Mr. Guterres told leaders that “we are moving towards a multipolar world”, which is both a reality and an opportunity.
He said emerging economies are reshaping trade, diplomacy and development, but at the same time, injustices and divisions are widening.
Principled leadership needed
He stressed the need for principled leadership to strengthen multilateralism, uphold the rule of law, and deliver for people everywhere.
“The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is uniquely positioned to help shape a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future,” he said.
The UN chief highlighted four priority areas, starting with peace and security.
Peace in Gaza and beyond
He pointed to the situation in Gaza, where the scale of death and destruction is horrific and famine has taken hold.
“We need an immediate and permanent ceasefire; the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages; and unimpeded, safe and sustained humanitarian access,” he said.
“And we must advance concrete and irreversible steps toward a two-State solution – the only path to a just and lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
Mr. Guterres also addressed the war in Ukraine, saying “it is past time for a ceasefire leading to a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace – in line with the UN Charter, international law, and UN resolutions.”
He also called for protection of civilians, fostering dialogue and securing peace in Sudan, Myanmar, the Sahel, Afghanistan and beyond.
“Your leadership in diplomacy and de-escalation is essential, as are your efforts against terrorism and transnational threats,” he told leaders.
Reform and climate action
The Secretary-General called for reform of the global financial architecture to ensure fair representation for developing countries.
“We are no longer in 1945 – and our institutions must reflect today’s realities,” he said.
The third area for action concerns confronting climate change.
“We are reaching a tipping point and need meaningful reductions of emissions. G20 countries – responsible for 80 per cent of global emissions – must lead,” he said.
He urged all governments to submit new climate action plans before the COP30 UN climate conference in Brazil this November.
“We must also set a clear path to delivering $1.3 trillion by 2030. Developed countries must honour their commitments. And we need a breakthrough on adaptation,” he added.
He called for doubling adaptation finance, scaling up early warning systems, building resilient infrastructure and phasing out fossil fuels while speeding up the transition to renewable energy.
Cooperation on technology
The final area for action is digital cooperation as new technologies bring both opportunities and risks.
He said the UN General Assembly has just established two mechanisms – an Independent Scientific Panel and a Global Dialogue on governance of artificial intelligence (AI) – to give all countries a voice and prevent fragmentation.
“These mechanisms mark a breakthrough for global AI cooperation – leveraging the unique convening power of the United Nations,” he said.
Put people first
In conclusion, he said that as the UN marks its 80th anniversary, countries must strengthen international cooperation for the 21st century and always put people first.
In this regard, he welcomed China’s Global Governance Initiative, announced that day, which “is anchored in multilateralism and underscores the importance of safeguarding the international system with the UN at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.”
Celebrity Media Editor’s Note: Stepping into the Diplomatic Lounge on the second floor of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the first thing people see is a massive Chinese tapestry of the Great Wall covering an entire wall. It was a gift from the Chinese government to the United Nations in 1974, with its grand composition displaying the majestic view of the winding Great Wall. The tapestry is not only a masterpiece of art but also symbolizes the resilience and guardianship of Chinese civilization, echoing the UN’s mission to safeguard world peace.
Celebrity Media
UN Second Floor Diplomatic Lounge: A “World Museum” Built by the Great Wall Tapestry and the Art Gallery
This Great Wall tapestry sets a solemn and profound tone for the lounge. Diplomats, while resting or conversing here, are often captivated by its awe-inspiring presence, sparking dialogues that bridge cultures and histories. It is not only an object of artistic appreciation but also an opportunity for civilizational exchange.
Looking around the entire second floor, from the lounge to the connected corridor, the space resembles a “living museum.” On both sides of the walls are artworks donated by countries from around the world: African wood carvings, European oil paintings, Latin American murals, Asian calligraphy and ink paintings—each carrying a unique cultural imprint. These works, together with the Great Wall tapestry, create a stage for diverse civilizations.
The corridor also displays images and historical records that capture significant UN moments: Security Council meetings during the Cold War, snapshots of peacekeeping operations… making this not just a space for work and rest, but a three-dimensional historical scroll.
It is in such an atmosphere that the image of the UN as a “home of the world” takes form. The juxtaposition of the Great Wall tapestry and diverse artworks reminds us that only through dialogue, understanding, and cooperation can the international community build a Great Wall that safeguards peace together.
UN China UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin, China.
