Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Environment Day, observed on 5 June:

The Secretary-General condemned the attack in Mali which killed two peacekeepers and injured two others after their vehicle — an armoured personnel carrier — hit an improvised explosive device outside of the town of Douentza.  Despite such challenging circumstances, United Nations personnel are continuing their mandated work.

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal Ceremony and the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award event, in New York today:

In Niger, the situation remains tense in the Tillaberi region along the border with Burkina Faso following several clashes.  Since 1 May, 51 civilians have been killed.  The United Nations and its partners are working to increase access to the affected border areas, with food security likely to worsen.

The Secretary-General expressed his shock and sadness today over the heinous mass shooting that took place at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, saying it is particularly heart-wrenching that most of the victims are children.  He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and to the entire community.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day of Peacekeepers, observed on 29 May:

A new report released today by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says most wealthy countries are creating unhealthy, dangerous and noxious conditions for children, not just within their borders but also across the world.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for Africa Day, observed on 25 May:

For the first time on record, the number of forcibly displaced people around the world had topped 100 million, propelled by the war in Ukraine and other conflicts, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports. 

United Nations Headquarters will observe the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday, 26 May.