UN Secretary‑General tells Davos leaders climate and ungoverned AI are existential threats

United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres told attendees at the World Economic Forum in Davos that climate change and “ungoverned artificial intelligence” are “two profound threats” that require far more attention and collaboration than they are receiving. He warned parts of the private sector that are retreating from climate goals, saying, “you are shortsighted and on the wrong side of history.”

Guterres praised corporate leaders who remain committed to climate action: “Your leadership is needed now more than ever. Do not back down. Stay on the right side of history.” He also framed work on AI as a shared responsibility, noting that “through the Global Digital Compact, the United Nations is working with governments, industry, and civil society to ensure that AI becomes a tool of opportunity, inclusion, and progress for all people.”

The secretary‑general’s remarks were delivered during a set of bilateral and multilateral engagements at Davos. The briefings emphasized the need for urgent policy action and coordination across public and private sectors to address the combined risks of accelerating climate impacts and rapidly developing AI systems. The UN spokesperson read the quoted passages and highlighted the Global Digital Compact as a core vehicle through which the UN seeks to build multistakeholder norms for AI.

The comments came alongside the secretary‑general’s other Davos activities, which included an off‑the‑record luncheon organized by the World Economic Forum and several bilateral meetings. The UN described the Davos appearances as part of wider diplomatic outreach to secure commitments on climate and digital governance.