UN General Assembly
2020

Secondly, new issues are emerging that demand multilateral solutions in accordance with normative and cooperative arrangements. What is know called the fourth industrial revolution presents both a challenge and an opportunity. From artificial intelligence and robotization to the implementation of smart grids and 5G infrastructure and data management, to restructuring entire sectors of the economy, the impact of new technologies — on the economy, the work world and relations among States — will demand new rules of conduct at the international level. The UN must play a central role in defining them by providing compromise solutions capable of safeguard the public interest. Thirdly, international organizations are showing difficulty in responding to challenges and threats. The Security Council is a case in point. It has demonstrated its limited capacity to respond to crises and conflicts, while its membership does not reflect the geopolitical realities of the twenty-first century. That is why Portugal advocates the expansion of the categories of permanent and non-permanent members, including for the African continent and, at least, Brazil and India.