The UN Secretary-General urges “to end this vicious circle of bloodshed, hatred and polarization,” and warns against “irreversible action that would embolden extremists and doom any prospects for lasting peace.”

The UN chief has a strong message for those who say the absence of some key leaders is a blow to this year’s General Assembly week – rise to the moment and deliver on your promises. In this special edition of the Lid is On, we speak exclusively to Secretary-General António Guterres about the SDGs, climate change and much more.

Audio Credit: Mita Hosali and Matt Wells, UN News

Photo Credit: UN Photo/Mark Garten

The past year was marked by increasingly complex world crises – poverty, inequality, hunger and rising unemployment; an uncertain global economic outlook; the escalating climate emergency; and conflicts. In each case, the poorest and most vulnerable people are hit hardest. In his Annual Report for 2023, titled Determined, the Secretary-General highlights inspiring examples of the impact of the United Nations work across the globe, based on the belief that a better world is not only necessary, but within our grasp. The report focuses on eight key priorities established by the General Assembly.

Serving the cause of peace in a violent world is a dangerous occupation. Since the founding of the United Nations, more than 4,300 brave men and women have lost their lives in its service. Each year, the Secretary-General hosts a memorial service to remember and honour our fallen colleagues, who lost their lives in the line of duty in the course of the previous year, and to reflect upon their legacies. This year's ceremony takes place on 19 July 2023 from 9-10 am EST. You can follow it live on UN WebTV.

The Secretary-General Urges ‘Peace, Mutual Respect, Solidarity’, in message marking beginning of Ramadan:

"I send my warmest wishes as Muslims around the world begin observing the holy month of Ramadan. This is a moment of reflection and learning. A time to come together in a spirit of understanding and compassion, bound by our common humanity. That is also the mission of the United Nations — to foster dialogue, unity and peace. In these challenging times, my thoughts are with those facing conflict, displacement and suffering. I join everyone observing Ramadan to call for peace, mutual respect and solidarity. Let us take inspiration from this holy month and build a more just and equitable world for all. Ramadan Kareem."

"I send my warmest wishes as Muslims around the world begin observing the holy month of Ramadan.  This is a moment of reflection and learning. A time to come together in a spirit of understanding and compassion, bound by our common humanity. That is also the mission of the United Nations – to foster dialogue, unity and peace. In these challenging times, my thoughts are with those facing conflict, displacement and suffering. I join everyone observing Ramadan to call for peace, mutual respect and solidarity. Let us take inspiration from this Holy Month and build a more just and equitable world for all. Ramadam Kareem"

In recent years, major global shocks and setbacks to progress on the Sustainable Development Goals have increasingly underscored our shared vulnerabilities. International cooperation is needed more than ever, yet our collective problem-solving mechanisms do not match the pace or scale of the challenges we face. At the invitation of Member States with the adoption of the UN75 Declaration, the Secretary-General issued Our Common Agenda in 2021; his vision for the future of international cooperation. In March 2023, the Secretary-General began issuing a series of Policy Briefs to provide details on certain proposals contained in Our Common Agenda and to support Member States in their deliberations as they prepare for the Summit of the Future.

“We need a course correction”, urged António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, as he presented his priorities for the year. Humanity faces a stark and urgent choice: breakdown or breakthrough. The choices we make — or fail to make — today could result in further breakdown and a future of perpetual crises, or a breakthrough to a better, more sustainable, peaceful future for our people and planet. Our Common Agenda is an agenda of action, designed to strengthen and accelerate multilateral agreements – particularly the 2030 Agenda – and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Chun Jie Kuai Le! (春节快乐！Happy Lunar New Year!) UN Secretary-General António Guterres sends his greetings for good health, prosperity and happiness to the millions of people who celebrate the beginning of the Lunar New Year—in 2023, the Year of the Rabbit. “The rabbit is a symbol of energy and dexterity,” Guterres says in his video message. “These are qualities we need as humanity faces hardship and tests.” In his greetings, the Secretary-General also encourages the international community “to advance peace, sustainable development and a better world for all.” Xie Xie! (谢谢Thank You!)

"In 2023, we need peace, now more than ever. Peace with one another, through dialogue to end conflict. Peace with nature and our climate, to build a more sustainable world. Peace in the home, so women and girls can live in dignity and safety", says the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, in his message to the world for 2023. 

August 18, 2022, marks the fourth anniversary of the passing of Kofi Annan. Born in Ghana, Mr. Annan was the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations. He headed the Organization for two successive terms, beginning in 1997. Credited with revitalizing the UN institutions, shaping what he called a new “norm of humanitarian intervention”. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. His legacy lives on as we strive to create a more peaceful world.

During his two-day visit to Niger in May, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, saw first-hand the country’s complex and growing humanitarian crisis. Persistent insecurity in Niger has taken a toll on education; 800 schools have closed nationwide, affecting 69,443 students, including 33,546 girls. OCHA supports projects to ensure access to education for about 7,410 children by building 25 classrooms and training 132 teachers in the Tillabéri region.

I send my warmest wishes as millions of Muslims around the world begin the holy month of Ramadan. This is a period of compassion and empathy… a time for reflection and learning… an opportunity to come together and uplift each other.

9 February 2022 - The COVID-19 pandemic could be defeated this year but only if vaccines, tests and treatments are made available to all people, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday. 

While COVID-19 remains an emergency, other global challenges require our action, as well. UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, flags the following priorities: continuing the fight against the pandemic, reform of the global financial system for a better recovery; bold action on the climate crisis; using technology to our advantage and addressing the digital divide; and securing sustainable peace across the world. Our response to these emergencies will determine the course for human beings on this planet for decades to come. Watch the briefing on UN Web TV.