United Nations, Dec 31 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need to make 2025 'a fresh start' in his New Year address.
"In 2024, hope has been elusive. Ongoing wars are inflicting tremendous pain, suffering, and displacement. Rampant inequalities and divisions are escalating tensions and distrust," Guterres remarked on Monday.
He noted that the world has recently experienced a decade filled with severe heat, with the last ten years marking the hottest on record, including 2024.
"This is a real-time climate emergency," Guterres emphasized. "We must abandon this path of destruction -- time is of the essence."
The UN leader urged nations to redirect the world towards a safer trajectory by significantly reducing emissions and facilitating the shift to a renewable future. "This is both essential and achievable," he asserted.
"Even in the bleakest times, I have witnessed hope drive change," Guterres stated, applauding activists who advocate for progress and humanitarian heroes who surmount great challenges to assist the most vulnerable individuals.
The UN Chief also recognized the hope in developing nations striving for financial and climate justice, according to the Xinhua news agency.
He highlighted that the Pact for the Future, adopted in September, represents a renewed effort to cultivate peace through disarmament and prevention, reform the global financial system, and uphold the values and principles established by human rights, international law, and the United Nations Charter, as reported by Xinhua.
"There are no assurances for what lies ahead in 2025. However, I vow to support everyone committed to creating a more peaceful, equitable, stable, and healthy future for all," Guterres declared.
"United, we can transform 2025 into a new beginning," the UN Chief remarked. "Not as a fragmented world, but as united nations."
New Year's Day is a moment of joy and carries significant cultural importance. It symbolizes a new beginning and is frequently linked with establishing resolutions for personal growth, shedding the past, and looking forward with optimism.
