United Nations Headquarters, New York – January 31, 2026 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on world leaders to reject unilateralism and hegemonic ambitions, emphasizing that shared responsibility through strong multilateral institutions remains the only viable path to peace, stability, and progress amid a world marked by escalating tensions and unpredictability.
In a wide-ranging press conference at UN Headquarters on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Guterres outlined his priorities for the year—the final one of his second term as Secretary-General—under the theme of choosing "peace over chaos." He described 2026 as "already shaping up to be a year of constant surprises and chaos," driven by reckless actions with far-reaching and dangerous consequences. The remarks, captured in the official UN News release titled “Choose peace over chaos, Guterres urges as he sets out final-year priorities,” underscored the urgency of collective action in an era of deepening global divisions.
Guterres warned against the notion that any single nation or bloc can dominate global problem-solving. “Global problems will not be solved by one power calling the shots,” he stated firmly. “Nor will they be solved by two powers carving the world into rival spheres of influence.” This pointed critique appeared directed at both unilateral tendencies by major powers and emerging bipolar frameworks, particularly the perceived U.S.-China dynamic that some observers describe as an emerging duopoly.
He advocated for an accelerated shift toward a networked, inclusive multipolarity—one built on partnerships rather than dominance. “It is important to accelerate, deliberately and with determination, multipolarity — one that is networked, inclusive by design, and capable of creating balance through partnerships,” Guterres said. However, he cautioned that multipolarity alone does not ensure equilibrium 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.”
A central concern in his address was the erosion of international law and the rise of impunity—what he has previously termed the replacement of the "rule of law" with the "law of the jungle." He highlighted ongoing conflicts and violations of the UN Charter, noting that the current global governance architecture, rooted in post-World War II structures, no longer adequately reflects today's economic and power realities. “This must change,” he insisted, calling for reforms to institutions like the Security Council to make them more representative and effective.
Guterres also drew attention to a profound shift in global power dynamics: the transfer of influence from governments to private technology companies. He described this as “perhaps the greatest transfer of power of our times—not from governments to people, but from governments to private technology companies.” Without proper oversight, he warned, technologies that influence behavior, elections, markets, and even conflicts could fuel instability rather than innovation. “When technologies that shape behaviour, elections, markets, and even conflicts operate without guardrails, the reaction is not innovation, it is instability,” he said.
The Secretary-General framed his 2026 agenda around generating "positive reactions" to current crises—reactions rooted in peace, justice, responsibility, and progress. He reaffirmed the UN's commitment to pushing for "just and sustainable peace rooted in international law," addressing root causes of conflict, and ensuring agreements endure beyond signatures. This includes intensified diplomatic efforts in hotspots, full implementation of resolutions such as those on Gaza, and broader advocacy for humanitarian access amid funding shortfalls.
On development, Guterres stressed accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which remain severely off-track due to overlapping crises including conflict, climate change, and economic inequality. He called for reforming the international financial architecture to better support vulnerable nations and reduce debt burdens that hinder sustainable growth.
The briefing came against a backdrop of mounting challenges to multilateralism. Recent reports highlight record levels of outstanding UN dues, humanitarian aid cuts, and deepening mistrust among member states. Guterres acknowledged these pressures but expressed determination: “We are acting to give life to our shared values. People are risking everything to make those values real. And we won’t give up.”
Analysts interpret the speech as a clarion call amid geopolitical shifts, including U.S. policy changes under the current administration that have raised questions about continued engagement with UN mechanisms. Guterres' emphasis on multipolarity and inclusive partnerships reflects a push to counter perceptions of declining U.S. leadership or rising great-power competition by reinforcing the UN's role as a neutral convener.
The address has drawn varied responses. Supporters praise its principled defense of multilateralism in turbulent times, while critics argue it understates the practical difficulties of achieving consensus among divided powers. Nonetheless, the Secretary-General's message resonates as a reminder that in an interconnected world facing existential threats—from climate catastrophe to unregulated AI—isolated or hegemonic approaches risk amplifying chaos rather than resolving it.
As Guterres enters his final year, the priorities he laid out—peace rooted in law, reformed institutions, accelerated SDGs, and regulated tech governance—signal a focused effort to leave a legacy of renewed multilateral commitment. The coming months will test whether nations heed his urging to choose peace over chaos through collective responsibility.
