After 12 Months of Widespread Suffering, Violence, Climate Chaos, 2024 Must Be Year for Rebuilding Trust, Restoring Hope, Secretary-General Says in New Year’s Message

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for New Year’s 2024:

2023 has been a year of enormous suffering, violence and climate chaos.  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.

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.

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.

I wish you a happy and peaceful New Year.