The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres has said the UN will keep rallying the world for peace, sustainable development and human rights in 2024, calling on everyone to make the new year, “a year of building trust and hope in all that we can accomplish together.”
Guterres, in a video message released on the eve of 2024, reflected on the tumultuous events of the past year while urgently calling for unity and concerted efforts to overcome the pressing challenges that lie ahead.
He noted that the year 2023 was marked by unprecedented suffering, escalating violence, and climate-related crises, and left humanity in a state of profound distress.
He said: “2023 has been a year of enormous suffering, violence, and climate chaos. Humanity is in pain. Our planet is in peril.
“2023 is the hottest year on record. People are getting crushed by growing poverty and hunger. Wars are growing in number and ferocity. And trust is in short supply. But pointing fingers and pointing guns lead nowhere.”
He however noted that: “Humanity is strongest when we stand together,” insisting that: “2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope.”
He said: “We must come together across divides for shared solutions. For climate action. For economic opportunity and a fairer global financial system that delivers for all.”
Guterres added that: “Together, we must stand up against the discrimination and hatred that are poisoning relations between countries and communities.
“And we must make sure new technologies such as artificial intelligence are a force for good.”
He promised that: “The United Nations will keep 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.”
The UN Scribe which everyone on the planet a happy and peaceful New Year.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
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