Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Guterres Warns Against Selective Law Breaches
António Guterres, the head of the United Nations, spoke to the General Assembly and warned countries not to pick and choose which international laws to follow.
He said that everyone must follow the UN Charter completely, like a fixed menu, not an à la carte one.
He talked about how the world is full of conflicts and inequality, and how some very rich people and companies have too much power.
He promised to keep working hard to make the world a better place in his final year as Secretary-General.
Guterres warned against selective violations of international law, emphasizing the need to fully adhere to the UN Charter.
He highlighted global issues including conflict, impunity, inequality, and unpredictability.
Guterres criticized the influence of the ultra-wealthy and corporations on global narratives and institutions.
He vowed to make every day of 2026 count and remain committed to pushing for a better world.
The UN Secretary-General's second term ends on December 31, 2026.
- Who
- António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
- What
- Warning against selective violations of international law and advocating for adherence to the UN Charter
- When
- Thursday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- UN General Assembly
- Why
- To emphasize the importance of international cooperation and the rule of law in maintaining global order
- Speaker
- António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
- Event
- Address to the UN General Assembly
- Date
- Thursday (specific date not mentioned)
- Term End
- December 31, 2026
- Key Message
- UN Charter is not a menu; must be adhered to fully
- Global Issues Highlighted
- Conflict, impunity, inequality, unpredictability
- Wealth Inequality
- Top 1% holds 43% of global financial assets
- Richest 500
- Added $2.2 trillion to fortunes in the last year
