The head of the United Nations warned the gathered leaders of nations Tuesday that impunity, inequality and uncertainty are driving modern civilization toward “a powder keg that risks engulfing the world” — the latest in an increasing number of clarion calls from Antonio Guterres in recent years that the global situation is becoming intolerable and unsustainable.

Secretary-General António Guterres warned that impunity, inequality and uncertainty are creating an “unsustainable world” where a growing number of countries believe they should have a “get out of jail free” card.

World leaders will open their annual meeting at the UN General Assembly Tuesday under the shadow of increasing global divisions, major wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, and the threat of a larger conflict in the Middle East.