Report 2018

A frank, realistic appraisal is essential

As I reflect on the work of the Organization since I took office almost two years ago, I have seen yet again that one of the most valuable assets of the United Nations is its capacity to operate as a convener of people, a proponent of ideas, a catalyst for action and a driver of solutions. As today’s problems grow ever more global, multilateralism is more important than ever.

The United Nations Charter provides a moral compass to promote peace, advance human dignity, prosperity and uphold human rights and the rule of law.

The narrative of each section of this report highlights key developments and trends as the Organization worked to advance those objectives over the past year.

I started my tenure calling for 2017 to be a year of peace, yet peace remains elusive. Conflicts have deepened, with grave violations of human rights and humanitarian law; inequality has risen, intolerance has spread, discrimination against women remains entrenched and the impacts of climate change continue to accelerate. To address these issues, we need unity and courage in setting the world on track towards a better future. One of my goals as Secretary-General is to ease and end suffering while laying the foundation for stability. I have worked to exercise my good offices, bolster our capacity for mediation and emphasize prevention. We have also embarked on wide- ranging reform efforts to make the Organization fit for the 21st century.

Multilateralism is more important than ever.

António Guterres
United Nations Secretary-General