Antonio Guterres: A balanced leadership in hard times

“Just days ago, I was on the melting ice of Antarctica. Not long before, I was among the melting glaciers of Nepal. These two spots are far in distance, but united in crisis. Polar ice and glaciers are vanishing before our eyes, causing havoc the world over: from landslides and floods, to rising seas...” This is what United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said to the world leaders during the opening of the Global climate change conference, COP28.

His acknowledgment of Nepal’s problems resulting from climate change is noteworthy.

During his visit to Nepal, he journeyed to the Sagarmatha Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and the birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha, Lumbini. This illustrates his profound affection for Nepal and its people.

Guterres also participated in a high-level roundtable discussion titled ‘Call of mountains: Who saves us from the climate crisis’, organized by Nepal and chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. During the session, he expressed his concern, stating, “It is profoundly alarming to witness the rapid melting of Nepal’s mountains. Hearing firsthand from local communities about the devastating impact on their lives is deeply distressing.”

Furthermore, he emphasized, “Nepal, alongside other vulnerable mountainous nations, bears the brunt of a crisis not of their making. Over just 30 years, the country has lost nearly a third of its ice, a direct consequence of greenhouse gas pollution warming our planet. This loss results in swollen lakes and rivers that flood, washing away entire communities.”

Guterres’ statements signify his sensitivity to the issues facing Nepal and other mountainous countries. He urged developed nations to extend support to countries like Nepal through climate funds and the pursuit of climate justice. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Nepal on the global stage.

There has long been a debate regarding the relevance of the UN due to its perceived failure to intervene effectively. However, on Dec 8, Secretary-General Guterres invoked Article 99—a rarely utilized clause in the UN Charter—to caution the Security Council about the escalating situation between Israel and Hamas, highlighting its potential threat to international peace and security.

In a letter addressed to the 15-nation council, Guterres cited the “appalling human suffering, physical destruction and collective trauma across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory” as grounds for invoking Article 99. This marked the first time in his nearly seven-year tenure that he utilized this crisis-oriented provision. The last explicit invocation of Article 99 was in 1971, amid the war leading to the creation of Bangladesh and its separation from Pakistan.

Guterres’ action underscores the UN’s capacity to intervene in humanitarian crises, reaffirming the significance of its existence. It showcases a leadership dedicated to upholding human rights and humanity in crisis situations.

The developed nations, being major funders of the UN, often have their specific reservations and expectations from the UN and its leadership. In numerous instances, past UN leaderships have aligned with the directives of developed nations. However, Guterres has demonstrated a commendable balance and timely intervention, navigating between various interests and perspectives.

He has managed a delicate equilibrium, considering the concerns and expectations of developed nations while making independent and appropriate interventions when necessary. Guterres’ ability to uphold the UN’s integrity while taking decisive action when called for signifies a balanced and nuanced approach to leadership within the international organization. Hence, it has helped to make the UN stay relevant even in a fast-changing world.

The author, a member of the Supreme Court Bar, has been practicing corporate law for around three decades