United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has marked the 2026 Lunar New Year with a call for strengthened international cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions and climate challenges. In his Year of the Horse message released on February 10, Guterres highlighted China's contributions to multilateralism while urging nations to embrace the festival's spirit of renewal.
The Secretary-General emphasized the symbolic significance of the horse in Chinese culture, noting its association with perseverance and progress. "These qualities are essential as we confront interconnected crises," Guterres stated, referencing ongoing climate disruptions and economic inequalities.
While not directly addressing specific conflicts, the UN leader's message underscored the need for collective action to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. He praised recent multilateral efforts in green energy partnerships but warned that current progress remains insufficient to meet 2030 targets.
Analysts suggest the timing aligns with crucial UN climate negotiations scheduled for March 2026, where China's participation will be pivotal. The message also comes as international institutions prepare for the 2026 review of the Paris Agreement implementation framework.
