UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for making 2025 “a new beginning” in his New Year message, urging global unity and decisive action to address pressing challenges. Speaking on Monday, Guterres highlighted the difficulties faced throughout 2024, citing wars, inequalities, and the impact of climate change as key issues that have caused widespread suffering and division.
“Throughout 2024, hope has been hard to find. Wars are causing enormous pain, suffering, and displacement. Inequalities and divisions are rife—fueling tensions and mistrust,” Guterres said.
The UN chief emphasized the urgent need to tackle climate change, noting that the past decade has been marked by deadly heat, with the top ten hottest years on record, including 2024. “This is climate breakdown—in real time,” he stressed. “We must exit this road to ruin—and we have no time to lose.”
Guterres called on countries to dramatically slash emissions and support the transition to a renewable future. “It is essential and it is possible,” he added, highlighting that collective action could put the world on a safer path.
Despite the challenges, Guterres expressed hope, praising activists who are raising their voices for progress and humanitarian heroes who overcome obstacles to support the most vulnerable. “Even in the darkest days, I’ve seen hope power change,” he said.
He also acknowledged the efforts of developing countries fighting for financial and climate justice, indicating that these movements are key to creating a more equitable world.
The UN Secretary-General underscored the significance of the Pact for the Future, adopted in September, describing it as “a new push” to build peace through disarmament and prevention, reform the global financial system, and uphold the values and principles enshrined in human rights, international law, and the United Nations Charter.
“There are no guarantees for what’s ahead in 2025. But I pledge to stand with all those who are working to forge a more peaceful, equal, stable, and healthy future for all people,” Guterres affirmed.
Concluding his message with a call for unity, he stated, “Together, we can make 2025 a new beginning. Not as a world divided. But as nations united.”
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UN chief calls for making 2025 'new beginning' in New Year message
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