New Year wishes from Guterres ahead of 2025

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has released a video message for the New Year. In his assessment of 2024, Guterres stated that it was difficult to find hope in 2024, noting that wars have caused great suffering, while inequalities and divisions have fueled tensions and distrust.

HE TOUCHED UPON CLIMATE COLLAPSE

Pointing out that the last decade has been the hottest on record, Guterres said, "I can officially report today that we have left behind a decade of deadly heat. All of the 10 hottest years on record have occurred in the last 10 years, including 2024. This is a real-time reflection of climate collapse. We must get off this path to destruction, and we have no time to lose. In 2025, countries must put the world on a safer path by drastically reducing emissions and supporting the transition to a renewable future."

Stating that he sees hope fueling change even in the darkest days, Guterres used the following words:

 "I see hope in the young and old activists who raise their voices for progress. I see hope in the humanitarian heroes who overcome great obstacles to support the most vulnerable people. I see hope in developing countries fighting for financial justice and climate justice. I see hope in the scientists and explorers who are opening new horizons for humanity. I saw hope here in September when world leaders gathered to adopt the Pact for the Future. This pact is an initiative to build peace through disarmament and prevention, to reform the global financial system to ensure all countries are supported and represented, to create more opportunities for women and young people, and to ensure that new technologies prioritize people and human rights over profit and uncontrolled algorithms."

UNITED, NOT DIVIDED

Stating that there is no guarantee as to what awaits humanity in 2025, Guterres said, "However, I promise to stand with everyone working to build a more peaceful, equal, stable, and healthy future for all people. Together, we can make 2025 a fresh start, not as a divided world, but as united nations."