United Nations (TDI): In his New Year Message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for making 2025 “a new beginning”.
Guterres noted that hope has been scarce throughout 2024, with wars causing immense pain, suffering and displacement. Divisions and inequalities are rife — fueling tensions and mistrust.
He said that the world has just endured a decade of deadly heat and the top ten hottest years on record have happened in the last 10 years, including 2024.
“This is climate breakdown happening in real time,” Guterres emphasized. “We must exit this road to ruin. We have no time to lose.”
The UN chief urged nations to put the globe on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions, and supporting the transition to a renewable future. “It is important and it is possible,” he added.
He said, “Even in the darkest days, I have seen hope drive change,” acknowledging activists advocating for progress and humanitarian heroes overcoming challenges to assist the most vulnerable people.
The UN chief said he also sees hope in developing nations fighting for economic and climate justice.
He said that the Pact for the Future, approved in September this year, “is a new rive” to build peace through disarmament and prevention, reform the international economic system, and follow the principles and values enshrined by human rights, international law and the UN Charter.
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“There are no guarantees for what’s ahead in the upcoming year. But I promise to support all those who are working to forge a more peaceful, stable, equal and healthy future for all,” Guterres said.
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“Together, we can make next year a new beginning,” the UN chief said. “Not as a world divided. But as countries united.”
