Global leaders call for climate action and multilateralism at UN

During the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity ceremony, leaders addressed urgent global challenges including climate change and geopolitical instability. The Alianza Ceibo, an alliance of Amazonian indigenous peoples, was honored for its role in protecting essential ecosystems.

In a video message, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa criticized leaders who have delayed action on climate change, noting that some have allowed other geopolitical and economic urgencies to divert attention. He emphasized that the predictable effects of climate change are already impacting populations and called for a global political alignment to prevent further damage.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, European Council President António Costa praised the legacy of UN Secretary-General António Guterres while advocating for multilateralism. Costa called for a successor committed to international law, specifically highlighting the need for mediation in conflicts within Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan. He also condemned Russian threats against EU member states and attacks on the International Criminal Court.