With global tensions rising and “reckless actions” triggering dangerous consequences, Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday called for renewed efforts on peace, justice and sustainable development as he outlined his priorities for 2026 – the final year of his tenure.
2026 “is already shaping up to be a year of constant surprises and chaos,” he told journalists in New York.
Mr. Guterres, who trained as a physicist before entering public life, said that during times of profound flux, he returns to fixed principles that explain how forces act.
Generating ‘positive reactions’
Among them is Newton’s Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
“As we begin this year, we are determined to choose actions that generate concrete and positive reactions,” he said.
“Reactions of peace, of justice, of responsibility, and of progress in our troubled times.”
Chain reaction
Today, impunity is driving conflicts – fueling escalation, widening mistrust, and allowing powerful spoilers to enter from every direction.
“Meanwhile, the slashing of humanitarian aid is generating its own chain reactions of despair, displacement, and death,” as inequalities deepen.
He highlighted climate change – “the most literal and devastating illustration of Newton’s principle” – as actions that heat the planet trigger storms, wildfires, hurricanes, drought, and rising seas.
Power shift
The world is also witnessing “perhaps the greatest transfer of power of our times,” namely, from governments to private tech companies.
“When technologies that shape behaviour, elections, markets, and even conflicts operate without guardrails, the reaction is not innovation, it is instability,” he warned.
Hegemony is not the answer
These challenges are happening as systems for global problem-solving continue to reflect the economic and power structures of 80 years ago, and this must change.
“Our structures and institutions must reflect the complexity – and the opportunity – of these new times and realities,” he said.
“Global problems will not be solved by one power calling the shots. Nor will they be solved by two powers carving the world into rival spheres of influence.”
He stressed the importance of accelerating multipolarity – “one that is networked, inclusive by design, and capable of creating balance through partnerships” – but it alone does not guarantee stability or peace.
“For multipolarity to generate equilibrium, prosperity, and peace, we need strong multilateral institutions where legitimacy is rooted in shared responsibility and shared values,” he said.
Read the full article on the UN News website.
