"In 2023, let’s put peace at the heart of our words and actions. Together, let’s make 2023 a year when peace is restored to our lives, our homes, and our world." — António Guterres in 2023 New Year's video message

The UN chief said he was determined to make 2023 “a year for peace” and a “year for action”, highlighting the need for practical solutions to a raft of pressing problems facing all regions of the world. “We owe it to people to find solutions, to fight back, and to act”, said Secretary-General António Guterres. “At times, discreetly but always with determination, we will fight back.” Building on his general call to action, Mr.

22 August 2022, Security Council

Secretary-General's remarks at Security Council meeting on "Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Promoting Common Security Through Dialogue and Cooperation

[All-English version; scroll down for bilingual, as delivered version]

Mr. President, Excellencies,

Thank you for convening the Council on this essential topic.

Our collective security demands that we seize every moment to forge a common understanding of the threats and challenges before us.

And most importantly, to shape united responses to them.

As the focus of this briefing makes clear, the path to peace is forged by dialogue and cooperation.

The UN chief described progress between Russia and Ukraine on allowing the resumption of grain exports during UN-brokered talks in Türkiye, as a “ray of hope to ease human suffering and alleviate hunger around the world.” Secretary-General António Guterres said that a “critical step forward” had been taken to allow the “safe and secure export” of millions of tonnes of grain via the Black Sea, but emphasized that no formal agreement has yet been signed between Russia and Ukraine.

"The Holy Quran teaches us that God created nations and tribes “so that we might know one another”. In this holy month and every day, let us take inspiration by working hand in hand for the safety, dignity and prosperity of all women and men." — António Guterres in beginning of Ramadan video message

"Let us recall that we can, and must, be part of the quest for a better future of dignity, opportunity and prosperity for all people on a healthy planet."

In a video message recorded on Friday, UN chief António Guterres assured the world that the COVID-19 virus will peak, and the global economy will recover but, until then, “we must act together to slow the spread of the virus and look after each other”.

Addressing the latest session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Secretary-General António Guterres underlined that gender inequality and discrimination against women and girls remain an “overwhelming global injustice”. He said the vision of the Beijing Declaration has only been partly realized as progress has stalled, or even gone into reverse, in some areas. 

English translation unavailable for 联合国秘书长安东尼奥·古特雷斯就加沙局势向记者发表讲话。.

04 August 2016, Rio de Janeiro

Remarks to Refugee Olympic Team

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre) meets with the Olympic Refugee Team at the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. UN Photo/Mark Garten

I know you have had very sad, terrible stories and experiences, but you are a source of inspiration for all of us. Your stories are very sad but, at the same time, you can be a source of hope for many people.