We confront a host of existential threats — from the climate crisis to disruptive technologies — and we do so at a time of chaotic transition.

For much of the Cold War, international relations were largely seen through the prism of two superpowers.

Then came a short period of unipolarity.

Now we are rapidly moving toward a multipolar world. This is, in many ways, positive. It brings new opportunities for justice and balance in international relations.

But multipolarity alone cannot guarantee peace.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Europe had numerous powers. It was truly multipolar. But it lacked robust multilateral institutions and the result was World War I.

A multipolar world needs strong and effective multilateral institutions. Yet global governance is stuck in time.

Look no further than the United Nations Security Council and the Bretton Woods system. They reflect the political and economic realities of 1945, when many countries were still under colonial domination.

The world has changed. Our institutions have not.

We cannot effectively address problems as they are if institutions do not reflect the world as it is.

Instead of solving problems, they risk becoming part of the problem.

And, indeed, divides are deepening.

Divides among economic and military powers. Divides between North and South, East and West.

We are inching ever closer to a Great Fracture in economic and financial systems and trade relations; one that threatens a single, open Internet; with diverging strategies on technology and artificial intelligence; and potentially clashing security frameworks.

It is high time to renew multilateral institutions based on 21st century economic and political realities — rooted in equity, solidarity and universality and anchored in the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

That means reforming the Security Council in line with the world of today.

It means redesigning the international financial architecture so that it becomes truly universal and serves as a global safety net for developing countries in trouble.

At the same time, divides are also widening within countries.

Democracy is under threat. Authoritarianism is on the march. Inequalities are growing. And hate speech is on the rise.

In the face of all these challenges and more, compromise has become a dirty word.

We have just survived the hottest days, the hottest months, and the hottest summer on the books.

Behind every broken record are broken economies, broken lives and whole nations at the breaking point.

Actions are falling abysmally short.

There is still time to keep rising temperatures within the 1.5-degree limits of the Paris [Climate] Agreement.

But that requires drastic steps now — to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and to ensure climate justice for those who did least to cause the crisis but are paying the highest price.

The fossil fuel age has failed. If fossil fuel companies want to be part of the solution, they must lead the transition to renewable energy.

No more dirty production. No more fake solutions. No more bankrolling climate denial.

Climate chaos is breaking new records, but we cannot afford the same old broken record of scapegoating and waiting for others to move first.

And to all those working, marching and championing real climate action, I want you to know that you are on the right side of history and that I am with you.  I won't give up this fight of our lives.

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Excerpts from the UN Secretary-General's address to the General Assembly, 19 September 2023.