Eighty years ago, in a world scorched by war, leaders made a choice. Cooperation over chaos. Law over lawlessness. Peace over conflict. That choice gave birth to the United Nations – not as a dream for perfection, but as a practical strategy for the survival of humanity … No matter the challenge.  No matter the obstacle.  No matter the hour. We must – and we will – overcome. Because in a world of many choices, there is one choice we must never make: The choice to give up. We must never give up. — ANTÓNIO GUTERRES

05 April 2024, UN Headquarters

Secretary-General's press encounter on Gaza

Secretary-General António Guterres briefs reporters on the situation in Gaza on the six months mark of the conflict. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

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This Sunday marks six months since Hamas launched its abhorrent terror attacks in Israel.

The 7th of October is a day of pain for Israel and the world.

The United Nations, and I personally, mourn with Israelis for the 1,200 people, including many women and children, who were killed in cold blood. 

Nothing can justify the horror unleashed by Hamas on October 7th.

The UN Secretary-General called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and unhindered humanitarian access as the country teeters on the brink of further disintegration. The war between rival militaries Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), now in its eleventh month, has not only claimed thousands of lives but has created a massive internal displacement crisis. Briefing ambassadors at the Security Council, Secretary-General António Guterres appealed to all parties in Sudan to observe a Ramadan ceasefire.

An all-out Israeli offensive on Rafah would spell the end for UN-led humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned, in a wide-ranging call to the international community to fulfil its “primary responsibility” of promoting and protecting human rights everywhere and for everyone.

The UN Secretary-General addressed the Security Council, underscoring the fundamental need to honour the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as the full-scale invasion by Russia of the country marks its second anniversary. “Two years on and a decade since Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, the war in Ukraine remains an open wound at the heart of Europe,” António Guterres said.

"It is my firm belief that fossil fuel phase out is not only necessary, it is inevitable," declared the Secretary-General António Guterres in his message for the first International Day of Clean Energy. "But we need governments to act, to accelerate the transition, with the biggest emitters leading the way."

"Humanity is strongest when we stand together. 2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope. We must come together across divides for shared solutions. The United Nations will keep rallying the world for peace, sustainable development and human rights. Let’s resolve to make 2024 a year of building trust and hope in all that we can accomplish together." -- António Guterres, in his message for the New Year.

Earth’s vital signs are failing and to prevent planetary crash and burn, “we need…cooperation and political will”, UN Secretary General António Guterres said, challenging world leaders gathered in Dubai for COP28 to show real global climate leadership. The UN chief delivered his impassioned appeal at the high-level opening of the Global Climate Action Summit, which will see world leaders and Heads of State and Government taking centre stage for the next two days in the Al Waha Theatre in Dubai’s iconic Expo City.