In his speech, Guterres warned that global fault lines are widening, emphasizing that military power, economic dominance, or technological strength alone cannot establish lasting peace. Reflecting on the three years since the October 7 Hamas attacks, the UN chief highlighted the unprecedented destruction in Gaza, calling on the international community to maintain focus on the region and allow the UN to fulfill its humanitarian mandate. He also cited the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, noting the heavy loss of civilian lives on both sides. Highlighting structural inequalities within global governance, Guterres condemned the absence of permanent African representation on the UN Security Council as an unacceptable injustice that must be rectified, concluding that global peace and development remain unattainable without human rights protection. Following Guterres's address, President of Brazil delivered the first national statement, followed by host nation representative US President Donald Trump.