This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN chief on Thursday expressed alarm over a renewed offensive by M23 rebels in recent days in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which is taking a “devastating toll” on civilians. Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement issued by his Spokesperson noted the Rwandan-backed […]Guterres voices alarm over M23 rebel offensive in DR Congo, ‘devastating toll’ on civilians
January 24, 2025 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN chief on Thursday expressed alarm over a renewed offensive by M23 rebels in recent days in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which is taking a “devastating toll” on civilians. Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement issued by his Spokesperson noted the Rwandan-backed […]At Davos, Guterres slams backsliding on climate commitments
January 23, 2025 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. The world’s political and business elite present in Davos on Wednesday faced an uncompromising address from UN chief António Guterres as he rounded on a lack of multilateral collaboration in an “increasingly rudderless world” at risk from two existential dangers: climate change and unregulated Artificial Intelligence (AI). […]In Lebanon, Guterres highlights challenges and support for peacekeepers
January 20, 2025 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Continuing his high profile visit to Lebanon, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday underscored the challenges faced by UN peacekeepers and reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces. His itinerary included a trip to Naqoura in the south – where the UN Interim Force […]‘Lebanon is on the cusp of a more hopeful future’, says UN chief Guterres
January 20, 2025 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday expressed optimism for Lebanon’s future as he wrapped up a two-day solidarity visit with a call on the new government, the Lebanese people, and international community to “make the most of this atmosphere of opportunity”. “A window has opened paving the […]In New Year’s Message, Guterres urges countries to drastically slash emissions and ‘exit this road to ruin’
January 3, 2025 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for making 2025 “a new beginning” in his message for the New Year, issued on Monday. Reflecting on 2024, he stated that “hope has been hard to find”, with wars causing enormous pain, suffering and displacement, and inequalities and divisions fuelling tensions […]Guterres upholds UN commitment to a smooth and inclusive transition in Syria
December 12, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Secretary-General António Guterres said the UN is “totally committed” to supporting a smooth transition of power in Syria through an inclusive political process that guarantees full respect of minority rights. Mr. Guterres was speaking on Wednesday to reporters in Pretoria, South Africa, where he met with Government […]Syrians now have ‘historic opportunity’ to build a peaceful future, says Guterres
December 9, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. After 14 years of brutal war and the fall of the dictatorial regime, today the people of Syria can seize an historic opportunity to build a stable and peaceful future, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Sunday. As reports continued to emerge from the Syrian capital, Damascus, […]Guterres: Lebanon ceasefire deal ‘first ray of hope for peace’
November 28, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. The ceasefire agreement in Lebanon represents “the first ray of hope for peace” in the regional war “amidst the darkness of the last few months”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday in Lisbon. “It is a moment of great importance, especially for the civilians who were […]‘Breaking point’ reached on climate, while ‘outdated’ global system needs urgent reform: Guterres
November 20, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. In a powerful appeal to the world’s largest economies during the G20 Summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday called for urgent climate action and reform of international institutions, warning that current systems are failing to meet global challenges. Speaking at the G20 Summit – a forum […]COP29: Guterres urges countries to ‘get serious’ on loss and damage funding
November 13, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Tuesday for countries to step up contributions to a financial mechanism to assist developing countries affected by climate change. Mr. Guterres made the appeal in remarks to a high-level dialogue on loss and damage funding during the COP29 UN climate change […]People want action on plastic pollution that’s choking us: Guterres
October 31, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Countries gathered in Colombia to work on a treaty to end plastic pollution must strive for “an ambitious, credible and just” deal that responds to the needs of communities everywhere, including some 20 million waste-pickers, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday. “We are choking on plastic,” […]At COP16, Guterres urges world to ‘choose wisely…make peace with nature’
October 30, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday called for decisive action to restore harmony with nature, warning that environmental crises are pushing humanity toward tipping points that threaten ecosystems, livelihoods and global stability. Speaking at the opening of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention […]SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: End ‘sickening cycle’ of escalation across the Middle East, Guterres urges
October 3, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Security Council members met in emergency session on Tuesday morning in New York with the Middle East on the brink of all-out war. App users can reprise our live coverage here. That’s a wrap Watch the full meeting above on UN WebTV as the UN Secretary-General briefed […]All-out war ‘must be avoided in Lebanon at all costs’: Guterres
October 2, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN Secretary-General on Tuesday called for an immediate ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants, as Israel launched what it described as a “limited” ground incursion into Southern Lebanon. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric issued a statement saying that UN chief António Guterres was “extremely concerned” by the […]‘We have failed the people of Gaza,’ Guterres tells ministers
September 27, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations The UN agency that supports Palestine refugees, UNRWA, is the only “outpost of hope” left in the hellscape that is Gaza, the UN Secretary-General told a high-level ministerial meeting on Thursday in New York. The world has “failed the people of Gaza”, he said. More than 41,000 […]Dramatic uptick in violence as Guterres voices grave alarm at Lebanon-Israel escalation
September 24, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Tensions continued to ratchet up in the Middle East on Monday with reports of scores of retaliatory Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon which have reportedly left nearly 500 dead, and strikes in Gaza including on a refugee camp, UN humanitarians said. The development comes […]Guterres highlights Timor-Leste’s ‘growing international influence’
August 30, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN Secretary-General continued his historic visit to Timor-Leste on Thursday, emphasising the positive role the country can play on the regional stage to help resolve the crisis in war-wracked Myanmar. António Guterres is there to take part in celebrations to mark 25 years on Friday since […]In Timor-Leste, Guterres celebrates past unity and looks to the future
August 29, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres received a warm welcome in the capital of Timor-Leste on Wednesday where he hailed the 25th anniversary of its vote for independence, praising the national unity of the past, and pledging the UN’s unwavering support in the future. The UN chief was met […]Guterres strongly condemns Burkina Faso terror attack; hundreds killed and injured
August 28, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the killing of around 200 people in the Burkinabe town of Barsalogho at the weekend, which left a further 140 injured. According to news reports it was the latest terror attack by the Al Qaeda-linked militant group known as Jama’at […]From Tonga, Guterres appeals for ‘a surge in funds to deal with surging seas’
August 28, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a “global SOS” from Tonga in the Pacific on Tuesday, urging governments to step up climate action to “Save Our Seas” as two new reports revealed how rising sea levels are threatening the vulnerable region and beyond. Speaking during a press conference […]From Tonga, Guterres appeals for ‘a surge in funds to deal with surging seas’
August 27, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a “global SOS” from Tonga in the Pacific on Tuesday, urging governments to step up climate action to “Save Our Seas” as two new reports revealed how rising sea levels are threatening the vulnerable region and beyond. Speaking during a press conference […]Guterres demands immediate release of UN staff and others detained in Yemen
August 20, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Monday for Houthi rebels in Yemen to immediately and unconditionally release UN staff, humanitarians, diplomatic personnel and others who have been detained for more than two months. The more than 60 men and women being held are all Yemeni nationals. They […]Guterres appeals for ‘Polio Pause’ in Gaza
August 19, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Friday for warring parties in Gaza to lay down their arms so that humanitarians can safely vaccinate more than half a million children against polio. “I am appealing to all parties to provide concrete assurances right away guaranteeing humanitarian pauses for […]Youth digital engagement crucial for achieving SDGs: Guterres
August 13, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. As the world celebrates International Youth Day on Monday, the UN chief is emphasising the importance of empowerment and equality for young people to reach the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Under the theme, From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development, the Day focuses […]Middle East: Beirut and Tehran attacks ‘represent a dangerous escalation’, Guterres warns
August 1, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the international community to prevent escalation in the Middle East, following an Israeli strike on Lebanon’s capital and the reported killing of a top Hamas leader in Iran. “The Secretary-General believes that the attacks we have seen in South Beirut and […]Venezuela: Guterres calls for ‘complete transparency’ following disputed presidential election
July 30, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has commended the people of Venezuela “for their determination to express their will peacefully through the ballot box,” his Spokesperson said on Monday. Following hours of delays, incumbent Nicolás Maduro was formally declared winner of the disputed presidential election held on Sunday, securing […]Gaza: There is no alternative to UNRWA, Guterres declares
July 15, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, standing alongside top officials in New York on Friday, underscored the essential need to bolster the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees (UNRWA) across the Middle East amid continued attacks on its mandate, staff, premises and operations. Speaking at a pledging conference for the […]Guterres commends Turkmenistan’s ‘policy of neutrality’ amid troubled times
July 9, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Cooperation between the United Nations and Turkmenistan, and regional developments in Central Asia, were the focus of a meeting between UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held in the capital, Ashgabat, on Saturday. The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation to Turkmenistan for hosting the UN Regional […]
