Switzerland Warns of Post-World War II International Order - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin warned that the post-World War II international order is facing serious challenges.

In his speech at the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, United States, late Tuesday, September 22, local time, Parmelin underscored the growing number of conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and declining trust in multilateral institutions.

"Conflicts are multiplying and becoming deadlocked. The most fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter – the prohibition of the use of force, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity – are being openly violated," Parmelin said, as quoted by Anadolu, cited from Antara.

Speaking about artificial intelligence (AI), Parmelin said the technology offers significant new possibilities in science, economics, medicine, and education.

However, AI also risks creating new gaps between those with the skills and infrastructure to participate in this transformation and those who are only feeling the effects.

"We must ensure that technological progress broadens opportunities without widening the gaps," he said.

Parmelin added that every country should be able to benefit from advances in AI and contribute to the development of rules governing its development and use.

Furthermore, he warned that rules that stifle any form of innovation deprive society of enormous potential.

Parmeli emphasized the need to maintain a balance between promoting progress and ensuring the reliable and responsible development and use of new technologies.

He also warned that the erosion of trust is impacting the global economy, characterized by increased protectionism, reorganized or fragmented supply chains due to geopolitical tensions, and a weakening of the multilateral trading system.

Reaffirming Switzerland's neutrality, Parmelin said it goes hand in hand with a firm commitment to the UN Charter and international law.

"Dialogue is a tool for de-escalation when crises erupt," Parmelin said, pledging that Switzerland will continue to offer its good offices and provide a space for dialogue.

He also supported UN reform through the UN80 initiative, stating that the organization must become more coherent, more effective, and more results-oriented.

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