The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Antonio Guterres, voiced deep concern over the widespread suffering, violence, and climate-related catastrophes experienced globally in 2023.
In his New Year’s message preceding the dawn of 2024, Guterres underscored 2023 as the hottest year on record, stating, “Humanity is in agony. Our planet is in peril. People are being crushed by increasing poverty and hunger. Wars are proliferating in both number and intensity. Trust is in short supply.”
Guterres emphasized that assigning blame or resorting to violence would not lead to progress. He urged humanity to unite across differences and find collective solutions in the coming year. “Humanity is most powerful when we stand together. 2024 must be a year dedicated to rebuilding trust and restoring hope. We must come together across divides for shared solutions, encompassing climate action, economic opportunities, and a fairer global financial system that benefits all,” he stated.
Guterres also stressed the need to stand against discrimination and hatred poisoning relations between countries and communities.
Guterres also emphasized the importance of ensuring that new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, contribute positively. Wishing the world a peaceful New Year, Guterres promised that the United Nations would persist in rallying the world for peace, sustainable development, and human rights.
“Let’s resolve to make 2024 a year of building trust and hope in all that we can accomplish together,” he concluded.
