UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has ignited a beacon of hope for the coming year by declaring 2025 as 'a new beginning' in his New Year message. Highlighting the hardships of 2024, Guterres emphasized the pervasive wars, displacement, and growing inequalities that have fueled tensions and mistrust worldwide.
The UN chief underscored the urgent climate crisis, pointing out that the last decade has seen the top 10 hottest years on record, including 2024. 'This is climate breakdown – in real time,' Guterres warned, urging nations to swiftly reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. 'We must exit this road to ruin – and we have no time to lose.'
Despite the grim outlook, Guterres found solace in the resilience and activism of individuals and communities. Celebrating the voices of activists and the efforts of humanitarian heroes, he expressed optimism in developing countries striving for financial and climate justice.
The adoption of the Pact for the Future in September was highlighted as a crucial step towards building peace through disarmament, reforming the global financial system, and upholding human rights and international law. 'There are no guarantees for what's ahead in 2025. But I pledge to stand with all those who are working to forge a more peaceful, equal, stable and healthy future for all people,' Guterres affirmed.
He concluded with a unifying vision: 'Together, we can make 2025 a new beginning. Not as a world divided. But as nations united.'
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UN chief calls for making 2025 'new beginning' in New Year message
cgtn.com
