UN chief calls for multilateral solutions to address global challenges

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for multilateral solutions and international unity to address global challenges.

Guterres made the remarks at a UN Security Council open debate on Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance chaired by China.

The UN chief said that global solidarity and solutions are needed more than ever as the climate crisis is raging, inequalities are growing, poverty is on the rise, and peace is getting pushed further out of reach.

Terrorism and violent extremism remain persistent scourges, the prospect of nuclear war remains -- outrageously -- a clear and present danger, he said, adding that the limitless promise of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence is matched by limitless peril.

These global challenges cry out for multilateral solutions, Guterres stressed.

Guterres said now is the time to build on the momentum provided by the Pact for the Future, and work towards a greater consensus among regional groups and member states -- including the permanent members of this Council -- to move the intergovernmental negotiations forward.

He called on Members of this Council to overcome the divisions that are blocking effective action for peace.

"The Pact for the Future you adopted in September is aimed at strengthening global governance for the 21st century and rebuilding trust -- trust in multilateralism, trust in the United Nations, and trust in this Council. At its heart, the Pact for the Future is a pact for peace -- peace in all its dimensions," said Guterres.

UN chief calls for multilateral solutions to address global challenges

UN chief calls for multilateral solutions to address global challenges

UN chief calls for multilateral solutions to address global challenges

UN chief calls for multilateral solutions to address global challenges

UN chief calls for multilateral solutions to address global challenges

A Chinese mainland spokesperson has accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of abusing judicial power to silence dissent after Taiwan regional internet influencer Chen Chih-han was indicted.

Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, spoke at a press briefing on Wednesday in response to a question about the prosecution of Chen, better known as "Guan Zhang" or "gym boss."

The New Taipei district prosecutors alleged on January 8 that Chen, who runs a YouTube channel, knowingly used "inflammatory language" during a livestream despite being aware of the channel's large and diverse audience and the likelihood that his remarks would spread widely, according to media reports.

She said the case exposed political manipulation of the judicial system.

"The DPP authorities is abusing judicial means to intimidate and suppress the Taiwan people who support cross-Strait exchanges, attempting to create 'green terror' and restrict the freedom of the Taiwan public. In essence, this serves the separatist agenda and will inevitably face opposition and rejection," Zhu said.

Mainland spokesperson slams DPP authorities over prosecution of internet celebrity