Guterres Warns of Arms Race: Could Lead to the Destruction of the World

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Tuesday of a new nuclear arms race that could lead to the "destruction" of the world. As nuclear-armed countries expand and develop their arsenals, the Secretary-General called for a revival of efforts to reduce the proliferation of these weapons in preparation for their complete elimination. Speaking before the United Nations General Assembly on the final day of its annual session, Guterres stated, "A troubling new arms race looms on the horizon. The number of nuclear weapons could rise for the first time in decades." He added that "any use of nuclear weapons — regardless of place, time, or circumstances — would unleash a humanitarian catastrophe of unprecedented scale." He continued, "Once again, the threat of nuclear weapon use is evident. It is sheer madness. We must change course."