United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on January 29 2026 that global problems cannot be solved by one power “calling the shots” and warned that international cooperation and international law are eroding in the face of geopolitical divisions. Guterres made the remarks during a start of the year press conference at UN headquarters in New York City, outlining key challenges facing the world in his final year in office. 
Guterres highlighted that the law of power is prevailing over the power of law and expressed concern that multilateral institutions are under pressure from unilateral actions by powerful states. He said that issues such as armed conflicts climate change inequality and technological risks cannot be effectively addressed by a single global power or through rival spheres of influence. 
The UN chief called for a strengthened role for multilateral institutions and accelerated efforts toward a more inclusive multipolar world order that reflects shared responsibility and collective values. He stressed that global governance structures dating back decades need reform to meet the complexity of current challenges. 
Guterres said that cooperation must be rebuilt and that inclusive partnerships among nations remain essential to peace sustainable development and human rights. His remarks come amid tensions over competing geopolitical initiatives and ongoing conflicts in regions including the Middle East and Africa.
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