Education is a basic human right and an essential building block for every person to reach their full potential, and for societies and economies to grow and flourish.Today’s rapid technological breakthroughs — like Artificial Intelligence — hold enormous promise to support students of all ages across their learning journeys.But the tremendous rewards are matched by some daunting risks. As AI-driven systems become more powerful, human intention and machine-driven impacts can easily misalign.This year’s International Day of Education reminds us that unlocking the potential of Artificial Intelligence also depends on keeping human agency — and human rights — at the heart of this rapidly evolving technology.We must ensure that Artificial Intelligence supports students and teachers through access to information and cutting-edge curricula and other learning tools.And we must work to guarantee that all users have the tools and knowledge required to use this technology smartly, safely and ethically — including through UNESCO’s Competency Frameworks to support learners and teachers as they incorporate Artificial Intelligence into their learning.The recently adopted Global Digital Compact includes further critical steps to help ensure that humanity retains control over the development and governance of Artificial Intelligence, rather than the other way around.Artificial Intelligence must never replace the essential human elements of learning.On this important day, let’s commit to keeping humanity at the centre of education systems, everywhere.
 

Ladies and gentlemen, It’s good to be back in Davos. Your focus this year is on “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” — and it is a noble vision. But let’s face it.  When many people look around the world, they don’t see much collaboration.  And, perhaps to their minds, not enough intelligence. Despite progress on many fronts — investments in renewables, technological leaps, health advances — many of our world’s problems are getting worse.  We are living in an increasingly rudderless world. Last week, I delivered my annual priorities speech to the General Assembly.  I said that our world is facing a Pandora’s box of troubles.  We face widening geopolitical divisions, rising inequalities, and an assault on human rights. We see a multiplication of conflicts, some of which are leading to a re-shaping of different regions of the world — not least the Middle East. There is finally a measure of hope with the ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza takes place — and we are working to surge up desperately needed humanitarian aid. I was also just in Lebanon where a cessation of hostilities is holding and a new government is taking shape after two years of stalemate.   From the Middle East to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond, we still face an uphill battle. But we will never give up in calling for peace, but peace grounded in values of the UN Charter, international law — including international humanitarian law — and the principles of sovereignty, political independence and the territorial integrity of States.  Meanwhile, developing countries are in economic dire straits. Some are facing double-digit inflation rates — while interest payments in Africa are eating up 27 per cent of all government revenues. On every front, our systems of governance are often ill-equipped to deal with these challenges.    Many were built for a different era, a different economy, a different world. We’re working to reform institutions for the 21st century — from the global financial architecture to the UN Security Council.   Two basic aspects of our Summit of the Future. But reforming institutions requires a reform in mindsets.   Because we face big challenges — existential challenges — and I am not convinced leaders get it. Yes, we all understand the nature of an existential threat. Those of us who lived through the Cold War remember the decades spent living under the constant shadow of nuclear annihilation. Of course, the nuclear threat is still with us. But when it comes to existential threats, nuclear is no longer alone.  Today we face two new and profound threats that demand far more global attention and action because they threaten to upend life as we know it: the climate crisis and the ungoverned expansion of Artificial Intelligence. First, climate chaos. I recently saw an analysis that exposed a grim irony: Thirteen of the world’s biggest ports for oil supertankers will be overwhelmed by rising sea levels. Rising seas, which are caused by rising temperatures. And rising temperatures, which are — overwhelmingly — caused by burning fossil fuels.  Our fossil fuel addiction is a Frankenstein monster, sparing nothing and no one. All around us, we see clear signs that the monster has become master. We just endured the hottest year and the hottest decade in history. 2024 is likely to be the first calendar year that pushed past 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.   Breaching this limit does not mean the long-term goal of keeping the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees is shot. It means we need to fight even harder to get on track.  Especially when what we are seeing today — sea-level rise, heatwaves, floods, storms, droughts and wildfires — are just a preview of the horror movie to come. A world where every economy feels the pain… Of supply chains severed… Of infrastructure destroyed… Of higher prices and higher insurance premiums — or no insurance at all. At the same time, another far more hopeful story is unfolding. Cheap, plentiful energy provided by renewables is an extraordinary economic opportunity. One that will benefit people in every country. And one that will make the end of the fossil fuel age inevitable — no matter how hard vested interests try to stop it. A number of financial institutions and industries are backtracking on climate commitments. Here at Davos, I want to say loudly and clearly: It is short-sighted. And paradoxically, it is selfish and also self-defeating. You are on the wrong side of history. You are on the wrong side of science.  And you are on the wrong side of consumers who are looking for more sustainability, not less. This warning certainly also applies to the fossil fuel industry and advertising, lobbying and PR companies who are aiding, abetting and greenwashing. Global heating is racing forward — we cannot afford to move backward. Governments must keep their promise to produce new, economy-wide national climate action plans this year, well ahead of COP30 in Brazil. Those plans must align with limiting the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees — including by accelerating the global energy transition. We also need a surge in finance for climate action in developing countries, to adapt to global heating, slash emissions and seize the benefits of the renewables revolution. We need to tackle high-capital costs that are leaving developing countries behind. I also urge all businesses and financial institutions to create robust, accountable transition plans this year. These, too, must align with 1.5 degrees. And with the full recommendations of the United Nations High-Level Expert Group on Net Zero. To the 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. Now is the time to shift our collective efforts into overdrive, and make 2025 the biggest year yet for climate action. The second area of existential concern is ungoverned Artificial Intelligence. Yes, AI holds untold promise for humanity. Revolutionizing learning. Advancing healthcare and diagnosing illnesses earlier. Supporting farmers with smarter tools to boost productivity. Clearing landmines. And better targeting aid in times of crisis. These are real results — happening right now. But with this promise comes profound risk, especially if AI is left ungoverned. AI can be used as a tool of deception. It can disrupt economies and labour markets, undermine trust in institutions and have chilling effects on the battlefield. And AI could deepen inequalities by excluding those without the resources or tools to benefit from its promise. Once again, collaboration is critical. The Global Digital Compact, adopted in September at the United Nations, offers a roadmap to harness the immense potential of digital technology and close digital divides. It also brings the world together around a shared vision for Artificial Intelligence — one where this technology serves humanity, not the other way around. The Compact establishes the first universal agreement on the governance of AI that brings every country to the table. It includes the creation of an independent international scientific panel on AI, pulling expertise to bridge knowledge gaps and help every nation make the most informed AI policy decisions. The Compact also calls for a periodic global dialogue on AI governance as an inclusive space for stakeholders to come together under the auspices of the United Nations. It also foresees a network of capacity-building initiatives for developing countries, which have the most at stake as AI-driven systems grow and expand. And we must collaborate so that all countries and people benefit from AI’s promise and potential to support development and social and economic progress for all. By investing in affordable internet, digital literacy, and the infrastructure that allows every country to harness AI’s potential. By helping developing countries use AI to grow small businesses, improve public services, and connect communities to new markets. And by placing human rights — always — at the centre of AI-driven systems. The United Nations is committed to leading this effort. We are working with governments, industry, and civil society to ensure that AI becomes a tool of opportunity, inclusion and progress for all people. Ladies and gentlemen, Now is the time to wake up to these existential challenges — and face them head on. As a global community, we must live up to this great responsibility. And let’s do so by working as one, in collaboration. Thank you, and I look forward to our discussion today. 

Co-chaired by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation and the European Union Delegation to Egypt, the Steering Committee convened to align stakeholders, establish key priorities, and approve the annual work plan of the project. This project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, focuses on strengthening the policy ecosystem and business environment, and supporting value chains and clusters to help Egypt capitalize on trade opportunities.The committee includes representatives from several key governmental ministries and agencies, including  Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, Ministry of Local Development, Industrial Development Authority (IDA), Industrial Modernisation Centre (IMC), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), General Authority for Investment (GAFI), Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), Egyptian Organisation for Standardisation and Quality (EOS), General Organisation for Export and Import Control (GOEIC), Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC), Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI) and civil society representatives.The meeting provided an opportunity for committee members to discuss the project’s objectives, ensuring alignment with Egypt’s national development goals and fostering strong collaboration among all stakeholders, as well as validating the 2025 workplan. StatementsGiacomo Bogo, Attaché, Programme Manager – Trade, Investments and Digital Transformation, the European Union Delegation to Egypt, added: “TIGARA project reflects the EU’s strong partnership with Egypt; it is a key part of our strategy to enhance resilience and competitiveness in the industrial sector. By supporting Egypt’s economy through TIGARA, we aim to foster long-term sustainability and accelerate inclusive economic growth. Patrick Jean Gilabert, UNIDO Representative in Egypt, emphasized: “TIGARA project is a prime example of the kind of transformative partnerships that UNIDO values. Through our collaboration with the Egyptian government and the EU, we are laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and competitive industrial sector, aligned with global standards and Egypt’s development priorities”.About TIGARA ProjectThe European Union support to trade, industry, growth and rapid market access (TIGARA) is a project funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO / UNIDO Egypt) in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Ministry of Industry, and Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade. Our mission is to drive trade growth and support Egypt's economic development through a focus on export orientation and enhanced competitiveness of the industrial sector.For media inquiries, please contact:Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation: sbadr@moic.gov.eg & delakkawi@moic.gov.eg EU Delegation to Egypt: giacomo.bogo@eeas.europa.eu UNIDO: E.MUSCHIALLI@unido.org; A.ALHELEWA@unido.org

  Mr. President, Excellencies, I thank the presidency of Algeria for convening this briefing. The Middle East is in a period of profound transformation – rife with uncertainty, but also possibility. It is clear the region is being re-shaped.  But it is far from clear what will emerge.    We have a responsibility to help make sure the people of the Middle East come out of this turbulent period with peace, dignity and a horizon of hope grounded in action.  Mr. President, I am just back from Lebanon, where I met with the Lebanese leadership along with the UN family, including our peacekeeping troops.  A new dawn is rising in Lebanon -- with a government hopefully soon in place where all Lebanese will feel represented, and a State that will be able to guarantee security to all its citizens. The United Nations -- including the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and UN Interim Force In Lebanon – is fully committed to supporting the Lebanese people on this path. Despite enormous pressure, and with considerable risk, our peacekeeping forces stood their ground for peace to help deliver a cessation of hostilities.  Here from this Council, I want to reiterate my profound gratitude and admiration to the women and men of UNIFIL. I also extend my deep thanks to the troop-contributing countries. During my visit to southern Lebanon, I saw firsthand the dramatic human impact and destruction caused by the conflict.  Israelis were also victims, suffering loss and displacement.   I fervently hope all from both sides will soon be able to return to the areas where they lived and resume their daily lives. We will do all we can to relieve the suffering and support recovery. Mr. President, I can report that the cessation of hostilities is fragile.  But it is holding. UNIFIL troops are undertaking vital efforts to nurture this process.  They are working closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces. It is vital that the Israeli presence in the south ends as defined in the agreement, and that the Lebanese Armed Forces are present in the totality of Lebanon.  In this regard, since 27 November, UNIFIL has carried out over 730 missions in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, facilitating their redeployment in more than 50 positions.  UNIFIL has also facilitated 39 humanitarian missions -- in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Lebanese Red Cross, various UN entities, and NGOs. Our peacekeepers need strengthened capacities – including for clearing mines and disposing of unexploded ordnance – together with adaptation of the conduct of operations within their mandate. Resolution 1701 is clear:  The area between the Blue Line and the Litani River must be free of all armed personnel, assets and weapons -- other than those of the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL. The parties must fully implement resolution 1701, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, and end the violence once and for all.  The UN will continue to support all efforts to transform the cessation of hostilities into true peace. Mr. President, In Gaza, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal offer a ray of hope.  I commend Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their steadfast efforts to secure that deal. Yesterday, the first three female hostages were released as part of the first phase.  Ninety Palestinian prisoners were also released by Israel. While many challenges lie ahead, we should appreciate the long-overdue relief this moment provides for Palestinians in Gaza and the hostages reunited with their loved ones. We are doing our part to ensure the rapid scaling up of humanitarian deliveries.More than 630 trucks with humanitarian aid entered Gaza yesterday, at least 300 of them to the north.Mr. President, I want to repeat:  Nothing justifies the appalling October 7 terror attacks by Hamas. And nothing justifies the dramatic levels of death and destruction inflicted on the Palestinian people in Gaza. We have been relentless in calling for an immediate ceasefire. The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. And immediate action to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of life-saving aid to all those in need. Now the parties must make good on their commitments and fully implement the deal. I urge the parties to ensure that this deal leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. For our part, the United Nations will do all we can to advance these efforts -- in particular, to scale up humanitarian aid across Gaza, fully aware of the significant obstacles, challenges and constraints that we still face.  Specifically, the ceasefire must translate into at least four simultaneous actions on the ground: First, United Nations entities – including the backbone of our humanitarian response, UNRWA – must be able to perform their functions without hindrance.  The UN must have rapid, safe and unimpeded access through all available channels and crossings to deliver food, water, medicine, fuel, shelter, and materials to repair infrastructure across Gaza, including the north. Other humanitarian organizations -- including local and international NGOs -- and the private sector must also have unimpeded safe passage.  Visas, permits, and other enabling conditions must be in place quickly to allow a surge of desperately needed relief. Second, scaling up the delivery of aid and essential services demands safe conditions and a conducive operating environment. We require the necessary technical, protective and communications equipment. To do our work, the parties must coordinate with the UN system in a timely and effective manner. This also includes the restoration of public order and safety to prevent the looting of humanitarian supplies. Third, people must be able to access life-saving aid. This includes medical evacuations for those who need it – and I urge Member States to take in those patients.   Sufficient commercial supplies must also be allowed to enter Gaza to meet the overwhelming needs of the population. Fourth, and fundamentally, civilians must be protected, and those seeking to return to their communities must have safe passage. Explosive ordnance must be removed. The recovery of human remains must be conducted with dignity and respect. I urge the Security Council and all Member States to support all efforts to implement this ceasefire, bring about a permanent cessation of hostilities, ensure accountability, and create the conditions for recovery and reconstruction. The international media must also be allowed into Gaza to report on this crucial story on the ground. Mr. President, We must seize the opportunity presented by the ceasefire deal to intensify efforts toward addressing governance and security frameworks in Gaza. The Palestinian Authority has said it stands ready to assume its role and responsibilities in Gaza. I urge collective support for the creation of security and governance arrangements that will enable Gaza to be re-unified politically, economically, socially, and administratively with the West Bank. Regrettably, the situation in the West Bank continues to worsen – with clashes, airstrikes, and unabated illegal settlement expansion and demolitions. I am deeply concerned about an existential threat to the integrity and contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory of Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli administrative changes over the past two years have streamlined and accelerated the settlement approval process. As a result, control over many aspects of planning and daily life in Area C of the West Bank has been transferred to Israeli civilian authorities. Senior Israeli officials openly speak of formally annexing all or part of the West Bank in the coming months.   Any such annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law. It is clear that greater stability in the Middle East requires irreversible action toward a two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security, in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and previous agreements, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. The United Nations will continue to support every effort to advance peace, stability and a more hopeful future for Palestinians and Israelis – and the broader region. Excellencies,  Finally, with respect to that broader region, allow me to say a few words about Syria. For centuries, Syria has been a crossroads of civilizations.  Now it stands at a crossroads of history.  Following the fall of the brutal previous regime and years of bloodshed, there is a possibility of promise for the people of Syria. We cannot let the flame of hope turn into an inferno of chaos.  The United Nations is committed to working with Syrians and the international community to support a Syrian-led process that ensures a credible and inclusive political transition, in line with the key principles of Security Council Resolution 2254. I welcome the steps taken by Member States showing solidarity with Syrians. But much more significant work in addressing sanctions and designations will inevitably be necessary, particularly in light of the country’s urgent economic needs.  Advancing an inclusive political transition is the most effective means to ensure that Syria receives more support. As Syria travels a new path and seeks to rebuild its institutions and political systems, we will support an inclusive process in which the rights of all are fully respected, and that paves the way towards a united and sovereign Syria with its territorial integrity fully reestablished. Mr. President, In Lebanon, Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, and beyond, let us keep working for peace and security.  As the region is undergoing a profound transformation, we must spare no effort to help shape it in the form of more justice, dignity, human rights, and peace for all the people of the Middle East. Thank you.