Guterres Raises Alarm Over Rising Nuclear Risks at NPT Conference

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has warned that the world is slipping into a dangerous state of “collective amnesia” over the risks of nuclear weapons, as global tensions and military build-ups continue to rise.

He made the remarks at the Eleventh Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), where countries gathered to review global progress on nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful nuclear cooperation.

Guterres said the meeting comes at a critical moment to protect humanity from the threat of nuclear annihilation, recalling that the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons dates back to the United Nations’ first General Assembly resolution in 1946.

He warned that the world is forgetting the lessons of the past, when nuclear fears shaped daily life—such as children practicing missile drills, governments building fallout shelters, and communities suffering from nuclear testing.

According to him, a “collective amnesia” has taken hold, allowing nuclear risks to resurface as mistrust grows between states and global arms control systems weaken.

The UN chief also highlighted that global military spending has reached $2.7 trillion, describing it as a massive imbalance compared to global development aid and equivalent to Africa’s entire GDP.

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He further warned that for the first time in decades, the number of nuclear warheads is increasing, while discussions about nuclear testing and weapons expansion are re-emerging in some countries.

Guterres cautioned that arms control frameworks are eroding and that international norms designed to prevent nuclear escalation are under severe strain.

He reminded world leaders of a key principle: that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought, stressing that nuclear weapons do not provide security but instead increase global danger.

The Secretary-General described the NPT as the cornerstone of global nuclear governance, but warned that it is under pressure due to unfulfilled commitments, declining trust, and rising geopolitical tensions.

He urged countries to fully honour their obligations under the treaty without delay or conditions, while strengthening safeguards and supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in its monitoring role.

Guterres also stressed that the treaty must evolve to address emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, which could increase nuclear risks if not properly regulated.

He said future nuclear governance must ensure human control over nuclear weapons systems while also expanding access to peaceful nuclear technology for sustainable development.

The UN chief concluded by calling for renewed global commitment to disarmament, warning that the strength of the NPT depends on the political will of member states to uphold it.

He added that with stronger cooperation, the treaty can remain a foundation for a safer, nuclear-free world in an era of rapidly changing technology.

Guterres Raises Alarm Over Rising Nuclear Risks at NPT Conference

UN Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians, Foreigners in South Africa

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has expressed deep concern over renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa, including violence targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in parts of the country.

In a statement issued by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres said he is “deeply concerned” by reports of xenophobic violence, harassment, and intimidation against migrants and foreign nationals in areas such as KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Province. He strongly condemned the acts, describing them as criminal behaviour carried out by individuals inciting violence and taking advantage of socio-economic challenges.

The UN Secretary-General warned that violence, vigilantism, and hate speech have no place in any democratic society governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights. He stressed that such actions undermine social cohesion and threaten peace in diverse communities.

Guterres also recalled South Africa’s historical struggle against apartheid, noting that the country’s development was built on solidarity from across Africa and the world. He emphasized that migrants and foreign nationals have long contributed to South Africa’s social and economic growth.

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He further acknowledged statements from South African authorities affirming that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands. According to the UN chief, those responsible for criminal acts must be properly investigated and held accountable under the law. However, he stressed that such investigations must be prompt, independent, thorough, and impartial to ensure justice and public trust.

While recognizing South Africa’s socio-economic challenges, Guterres said addressing such issues must be done lawfully and without discrimination. He urged authorities to ensure that human rights and human dignity are protected for all, including migrants and refugees.

The UN chief also welcomed South Africa’s commitment to tackling corruption in immigration systems, implementing its National Action Plan against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, and strengthening follow-up mechanisms under UN human rights frameworks. He reiterated that law enforcement agencies must remain the sole authority in administering justice.

Guterres reaffirmed that the United Nations stands ready to support South Africa in efforts to de-escalate tensions, protect vulnerable groups, and strengthen social cohesion. He stressed that sustained community engagement, responsible leadership, accountability, and respect for human rights are essential to preventing further violence and preserving peace and stability.

South Africa has faced repeated waves of xenophobic violence in recent years, often linked to economic hardship, unemployment, and competition for resources. Foreign nationals, particularly Africans including Nigerians, have frequently been affected, resulting in deaths, displacement, and destruction of property.

UN Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians, Foreigners in South Africa

Trump Says White House Shooting Will Not Change Iran War Stance

Donald Trump has said that a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner will not deter him from his position on the ongoing conflict involving Iran, even as authorities continue investigating the motive behind the attack.

Speaking to reporters at the White House after the incident, Trump said: “It’s not going to deter me from winning the war in Iran,” while noting that investigators had not yet established whether the attack was connected to the conflict.

He added that, based on initial information, he did not believe the shooting was related to Iran, though he acknowledged that “you never know” and described the suspect as a “lone wolf” pending further investigation.

The comments came hours after a major security scare at the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C., where an armed suspect breached outer security areas during the high-profile dinner attended by top U.S. officials and journalists.

According to law enforcement, the suspect — identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California — allegedly opened fire outside the ballroom area before being intercepted by Secret Service agents.

Officials confirmed that a law enforcement officer was struck but survived after being protected by a bullet-resistant vest.

Trump said the suspect was carrying multiple weapons and was stopped before reaching the main ballroom where he was seated during the event. He praised the Secret Service for their swift response, adding that the attacker never came close to breaching the inner venue area.

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The president also struck a somber tone, saying the incident highlights the risks of public office. “Being president is a dangerous profession,” he said, adding that attempted violence is “part of the job” for someone in his position.

US Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that the suspect is facing initial federal charges related to firearm use and assaulting an officer, with additional charges expected as investigations continue. She also said the suspect is expected to be arraigned in federal court on Monday.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes inside the ballroom as guests ducked under tables and security agents rushed to evacuate officials. The event was ultimately cancelled for the night.

Among those evacuated were Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, all of whom were confirmed safe.

Trump later suggested that the world remains “violent” and reiterated that individuals in powerful positions are often targeted. He also said more details about the suspect’s motive would be released as the investigation develops.

Authorities are continuing to examine how the suspect managed to approach a heavily secured national event, with security agencies launching a full review of protocols at the Washington Hilton venue.

The annual dinner — typically a gathering of journalists, celebrities, and political leaders — was abruptly suspended as security forces secured the area and evacuated attendees. It is expected to be rescheduled.

Trump Says White House Shooting Will Not Change Iran War Stance