"Greatest Test Since WWII"... UN Proposes Future Summit

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Ant?nio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, proposed holding a summit to discuss the future, stating that human history is facing the greatest test since World War II.

In a report released on the 10th (local time), Secretary-General Guterres suggested, "Let us hold a summit to form a new international agreement on what the future should look like and to discuss it."

He said, "We need to act immediately to protect our most precious assets from the oceans to outer space, and to realize peace, international health, and a livable planet," adding, "I propose holding a summit to discuss these issues within two years."

In a report prepared last year on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations at the request of the UN General Assembly, Secretary-General Guterres also proposed holding a biennial summit involving the UN Secretary-General, the Economic and Social Council, the Group of Twenty (G20), and international financial institutions to discuss a "sustainable and inclusive international economy."

The report also included a proposal to establish an "emergency platform" that would be automatically formed to respond to global crises. The platform would be composed of national governments, international financial institutions, civil society, and private organizations.

Included in this report was a proposal to reorganize the UN Trusteeship Council as an intergovernmental consultative body to address intergenerational issues and to appoint a UN Special Envoy for future generations. There was also a proposal to create a "UN Youth Office."

Additionally, the report contained proposals such as a "Global Code of Conduct to Promote Public Information Integrity" to end infodemics and the creation of indicators to complement Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by reflecting the damage to humanity and the environment caused by certain corporate activities.

The report also emphasized the need for a "stronger, more connected, and inclusive multilateral system anchored in the United Nations."

Secretary-General Guterres stated, "It is not about creating a new multinational bureaucratic organization," but "existing organizations, including the UN, must be made more efficient."

Guterres said, "We are at a turning point in history," adding, "We face the greatest test since World War II, and humanity must choose whether to collapse under this test or to overcome it."

He emphasized, "We are gradually approaching a more confusing, anxious, and dangerous 'new abnormal,' and now is a very critical moment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.