Guterres Urges Urgent Climate Action and AI Regulation at Davos, Criticizes Backsliding on Commitments

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Guterres Urges Urgent Climate Action and AI Regulation at Davos, Criticizes Backsliding on Commitments
Image credit: António Guterres

UN Secretary General António Guterres sharply criticized global issues at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he said the problems facing the world-from inequality, conflict, and attacks on human rights-continued to worsen. Criticizing the theme of the forum “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” he said there was little evidence of effective collaboration or intelligent solutions to these crises.

Existential threats were expanded upon by Guterres, not just nuclear war, but also climate crisis. He emphasized the dangers posed by “ungoverned expansion” of Artificial Intelligence (AI), describing the need for regulation as urgent.

Guterres also drew attention to the irony of fossil fuel addiction, likening it to Frankenstein’s monster that spares nothing and no one. He pointed out that 13 of the world’s biggest ports for oil supertankers are vulnerable to rising sea levels, a direct consequence of burning coal, oil, and gas. The UN Secretary-General criticized financial institutions and industries backtracking on climate commitments, calling their actions short-sighted, selfish, and self-defeating.

COP30 and Urgent Climate Action

Guterres urged world leaders to present new national climate action plans before COP30 in Brazil later this year. He called for increased climate finance for developing countries and urged businesses and financial institutions to create accountable transition plans.

Guterres also tackled the dual-edge nature of AI. On one hand, he alerted the public of the risks presented by AI even as he touted its capability of revolutionizing the health, agricultural, and education sectors. Left to its own, AI may unleash economic havoc, undermine institutions, and widen inequalities. He called the Global Digital Compact a roadmap to harness AI’s potential, ensuring it serves humanity, not the reverse.

Also read: Climate Protests Disrupt WEF’s Annual Meeting in Davos

Reforming Global Institutions

The UN Secretary-General stressed the need to reform global institutions, including the UN Security Council and financial systems. These structures struggle with today’s challenges, and reform will need strong political will, which may be lacking in leaders.

Guterres concluded by returning to the theme of the forum, urging the global community to face these existential challenges head-on. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and working as one to address the pressing crises threatening the world’s future.

DTEK Announces €450 Million Investment to Expand Tyligulska Wind Farm

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DTEK Announces €450 Million Investment to Expand Tyligulska Wind Farm
DTEK Announces €450 Million Investment to Expand Tyligulska Wind Farm

Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, announced its plan to invest in expanding its Tyligulska Wind Power Plant. The company intends to invest 450 million Euros ($468.59 million) to boost the plant’s capacity. The expansion plan was plan was unveiled at he World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 by Ukraine’s Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko.

The expansion will increase the plant’s capacity from 114 to 500 megawatts. Once completed, it is expected to produce 1.7 TWh of power per year. This amount of energy could power nearly 900,000 Ukrainian households. The project will be one of Ukraine’s largest wind farms when fully operational.

Also read: EBRD Partners with Mongolia to Accelerate Renewable Energy Transition at Davos

Financing the Expansion

Of the total investment, 370 million euros will be financed through bank loans backed by the Danish Export and Investment Fund (EIFO). DTEK will contribute the remaining funds for the project. This represents the country’s largest single private sector direct investment  since its invasion by full-scale Russia-based forces in February 2022. It marks the largest in private investment towards the country’s energy sector until date.

Supporting Ukraine’s Renewable Energy Transition

The expansion is a strategic move and contributes to the energy security of the nation. The company’s thermal power plants which have benefited from a major source of energy were damaged badly during Russian bombings. For instance, last year 90% of DTEK’s thermal generation capacity was lost. As a result, the nation has been transitioning towards wind power. This move comes with the intention of diversifying energy sources and cut down the reliance on fossil fuels.

Completion of the Tyligulska Wind Power Plant expansion is expected by the end of 2026. The project will help boost Ukraine’s renewable energy capacity and contribute to the national grid. DTEK’s commitment to renewable energy comes at a critical time. It is an effort to ensure energy security in the face of ongoing conflict.