Following the presentation of his annual report United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres lays out his priorities for 2026 during a briefing to the UN General Assembly on 15 January at 10 a.m. (EST). Watch the event on UN Web TV.

In 2026, let’s rise together. For justice. For humanity. For peace.

Reflecting on the past year, which brought “chaos”, “uncertainty” and “systemic violations of international law,” the Secretary-General of the United Nations expresses his concern at the rise of global military spending, now “13 times more than all development aid, equivalent to the entire Gross Domestic Product of Africa”. In his message for the New Year, Secretary-General António Guterres encourages us to play our part, because “our future depends on our collective courage to act”. Together, let’s make 2026 a year in which peace prevails!

“It's [a] trapeze without a net, in a sense, because you're representing ... the Secretary General, you're representing the UN as a whole. And you have to be prepared, and sometimes you don't have the answer.”

Every day at noon, Stéphane Dujarric steps on stage to field questions about the United Nations from international journalists. As spokesman for the Secretary-General, he must be ready to talk on all aspects of the organization’s work at a time of unprecedented financial and political strain.

“There is no way we can move forward in this world without multilateralism, without an organization like this one. It's like a plant, right? It needs to be watered. We can't let it wither away.”

An alumnus of the United Nations International School, Stéphane Dujarric was immersed in the world of international diplomacy from an early age. In this episode of Awake at Night, he shares why his own family owes everything to the actions of two courageous diplomats, and reflects on how being a procrastinator can be a superpower when faced with the challenge of the 24-hour news cycle.

On 25 November 2025, the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Security Council initiated the process of selecting and appointing the next Secretary-General. Candidates are nominated by a Member State or a group of Member States. Learn more about the multi-step selection and appointment process of the next United Nations Secretary-General.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres speaks with UN News in the lead-up to the 80th General Assembly High-level week. The Interview was conducted by Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications.

By COP30 (10-21 November, Belem, Brazil), all countries that have signed the Paris Agreement must submit new climate action plans to help create a just, resilient, low-carbon future. To build momentum, the UN Secretary-General holds a Climate Summit (24 September), where leaders present these plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The event also brings together governments, businesses and civil society to discuss solutions for reducing emissions, adapting to climate change, securing the necessary finance and addressing other key areas. Follow the Climate Summit live between 2pm and 7pm, New York Time.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres shared a heartfelt video message to commemorate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Snake. Highlighting the snake as a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and renewal, he called for a renewed commitment to peace, equality, and justice. Encouraging people worldwide to view this festive season as a chance for fresh starts, the Secretary-General concluded by extending wishes for good health, happiness, and prosperity in the year ahead.

Following the presentation of his annual report, Secretary-General António Guterres lays out his priorities for 2025 during a briefing to the UN General Assembly on 15 January at 10 am (EST). Watch the event on UN Web TV.

Together, we can make 2025 a new beginning

“Even in the darkest days, I’ve seen hope power change”, declares the Secretary-General of the United Nations in his message to the world for 2025. Reflecting on the past year that brought “enormous pain, suffering and displacement”, António Guterres conveys a message of hope. Pledging “to stand with all those who are working to forge a more peaceful, equal, stable and healthy future for all people”, he encourages us to “make 2025 a new beginning. Not as a world divided. But as nations united”.

New report on Dag Hammarskjöld's death in 1961 fatal crash

A new report concerning the investigation into the conditions and circumstances resulting in a fatal crash in 1961 that killed then-United Nations Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld assesses that it remains plausible that an external attack or threat was the cause, a United Nations spokesman said today. One of the most enduring mysteries in United Nations history will linger on, with the new assessment announced on Friday suggesting that “specific and crucial” information continues to be withheld by a handful of Member States. Read about the mystery that still surrounds the death of the revered UN chief Hammarskjöld, 63 years after his tragic plane crash.

Dag Hjalmar Agne Carl Hammarskjöld was the Secretary-General of the United Nations from 10 April 1953 until 18 September 1961, when he died in a plane crash while on a peace mission in the Congo. He was born on 29 July 1905 in Jönköping in south-central Sweden. Serving two terms as the UN chief, the man, many considered to be the peacemaker of the 20th century, carried out a wide range of responsibilities in the course of efforts to prevent war and serve the other aims of the UN Charter. As new evidence emerges about his death, UN Photo curated a collection from our archive depicting the man, the legend and the Secretary-General. Here, Secretary-General Hammarskjöld arrives in Leopoldville on 13 September 1961, in response to an invitation by Premier Cyrille Adoula, to discuss United Nations aid and support to the Republic of the Congo. 

If one of the most iconic physical symbols of peace at United Nations Headquarters in New York is the famous Knotted Gun sculpture, the most symbolic and emblematic sound of peace that echoes through the Organization's airwaves each September comes from the Peace Bell. Ahead of this year’s International Day of Peace, Secretary-General António Guterres is ringing the peace bell at 9:30 am EDT on 13 September and calling for a culture of peace. The bell was cast from coins and medals donated by Member States’ representatives, the Pope, and people from over 60 nations and donated to the UN in June 1954.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for Olympic Truce ahead of Paris Games

Ahead of the Paris Olympic Games, the United Nations has called for a global ceasefire. “In the spirit of the Olympic Truce, I call on everyone to lay down their arms, build bridges, foster solidarity, and strive for the ultimate goal: peace for all”,  UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement released earlier this week. He also extended his wishes for “every success to the Olympians and Paralympians”. The video message will be played at 7:20 p.m. CET during the opening ceremony on 26 July. The ancient tradition of the Olympic Truce—Ekecheiria— originating over 3,000 years ago, aims to halt hostilities to ensure the safe participation of athletes, while promoting global peace, solidarity, and respect.

Following the presentation of his annual report, Secretary-General António Guterres lays out his priorities for 2024 during a briefing to the UN General Assembly on 7 February at 10am (EST). See the event on UN Web TV.

Our Common Agenda is the Secretary-General's vision for the future of global cooperation, in answer to the 75th anniversary pledge of Member States to strengthen global governance. It calls for inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism to better respond and deliver for the people and planet and to get the world back on track by turbocharging action on the Sustainable Development Goals. It outlines possible solutions to address the gaps and risks that have emerged since 2015, calling for a Summit of the Future, which will be held in September 2024.