Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day for Biological Diversity, observed on 22 May:

The Secretary-General has appointed experts to develop recommendations for measures that complement or go beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is a way to recognize that GDP — relied upon as a gauge of prosperity — provides an incomplete picture of the different dimensions of sustainable development.

In Syria, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that more than 670,000 people have been displaced since November 2024, while over 1 million people have returned to their areas of origin. Meanwhile, the UN and its partners continue to deliver aid across the country despite reduced funding.

In occupied East Jerusalem, heavily armed Israeli Forces entered three UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools in Shu’fat Camp this morning and forced out over 550 children, UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini reports. One UNRWA staff member has been detained.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, observed on 17 May:

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, observed on 17 May:

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for World Portuguese Language Day, observed on 5 May:

In South Sudan, Acting Humanitarian Coordinator Marie-Helene Verney deplored the deadly air strike Saturday on a hospital in Old Fangak in Jonglei State that led to the suspension of critical medical care for over 100,000 people and destruction of medical supplies. The UN is airlifting vital medical supplies to replenish stocks.

In Myanmar, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called today on that country’s military to stop all attacks on civilians and civilian objects. He said the unremitting violence inflicted on civilians underscores the need for the parties to commit to a genuine and permanent nationwide halt to hostilities.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the Day of Vesak, observed on 12 May: