UN chief urges world leaders to promote fair globalization

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres accepts an exclusive interview by China.org.cn on Sep. 3 in Beijing. [Photo/China.org.cn]

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called on world leaders to promote a fair globalization.

"It is imperative that we address the root causes (of crisis of confidence in globalization and governments) and work together to promote a fair globalization," the UN chief told reporters here before he departed for the G20 Summit in Argentina and the climate conference in Poland, COP24.

"Tonight, I depart for the G20 Summit in Argentina, where I will stress the need for inclusive development that leaves no one behind - the core promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," he said.

Noting that the world is facing "a crisis of confidence," the secretary-general said that those left behind by globalization are losing trust in governments and institutions and inequality is pervasive and increasing, especially within nations.

The UN chief also highlighted trade disputes, which he said "are escalating," adding that an "undercurrent of geopolitical tensions" is adding further pressure to the global economy.

"The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint for that fair globalization. I hope leaders at the G20 will give it a strong push forward," he said.

"But let's not forget that equity is not just a matter for this generation. We must think of generations to come," he noted.