United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for global unity to make 2024 a year for “building trust and hope” following the immense suffering, violence, and climate chaos that characterized 2023.

“Humanity is strongest when we stand together. 2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope”, Mr. Guterres expressed in his New Year’s message.

“Let’s resolve to make 2024 a year of building trust and hope in all that we can accomplish together”, he urged, concluding with warm wishes for a happy and peaceful New Year.

In his message, the UN chief also reflected on the pain and suffering afflicting humanity. 

Conflicts persist, claiming tens of thousands of civilian lives, many of them women and children. Millions have been driven from their homes, facing hunger and disease.

Mr. Guterres highlighted the scarcity of trust and emphasized that “pointing fingers and pointing guns lead nowhere”.

“Humanity is strongest when we stand together […] 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”, Mr. Guterres said.

Addressing discrimination and hatred poisoning relations between countries and communities, he stressed the importance of ensuring that new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, serve as forces for good.

“The United Nations will keep rallying the world for peace, sustainable development and human rights”, the UN Secretary-General affirmed.

“Let’s resolve to make 2024 a year of building trust and hope in all that we can accomplish together”.

UzA