In a video message on the brink of 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the world to embrace peace and unity and take actions necessary to better humanity.
Expressing deep concern over the state of the world, Guterres described 2023 as a year marked by immense suffering, escalating violence, and unprecedented climate upheaval.
Guterres emphasized, “Humanity is in pain. Our planet is in peril. 2023 is the hottest year on record. People are getting crushed by growing poverty and hunger. Wars are growing in number and ferocity. And trust is in short supply. But pointing fingers and pointing guns lead nowhere.
“Humanity is strongest when we stand together. 2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope.”
He continued, “We must come together across divides for shared solutions. For climate action. For economic opportunity and a fairer global financial system that delivers for all.
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“Together, we must stand up against the discrimination and hatred that are poisoning relations between countries and communities. And we must make sure new technologies such as artificial intelligence are a force for good.
“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.”
To illustrate the tragic events of 2023, the Russian invasion of Ukraine stands out as a significant example. This conflict sparked the world’s largest displacement crisis, with 6.5 million Ukrainians displaced within the country and more than 7.8 million seeking refuge across Europe.
Also, the Israel-Hamas conflict that erupted on October 7 claimed the lives of at least 21,320 people since the war, according to the health ministry in Gaza.
Additionally, the ongoing conflict in the Central Sahel region, exacerbated by climate change and economic underdevelopment, has made communities in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger increasingly vulnerable.
Recall the coup in the Niger Republic, where democratically elected and constitutionally installed President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani. This led the Economic Community of West African States to freeze all service transactions, including energy transactions, with Niger.
These events underscore the urgency of Guterres’ call for unity and action as we enter 2024 .