By Ojugbele Omotunde
António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has issued a compelling call for international collaboration to transform 2024 into a year marked by “building trust and hope.”
This appeal comes in the aftermath of the profound suffering, violence, and climate chaos that characterized 2023.
In his New Year message, released on Friday, December 29, 2023, Guterres underscored the paramount importance of human unity, emphasizing his vision for 2024 as a year of renewed hope and trust.
He extended warm wishes for a joyous and tranquil New Year while urging all nations to join forces in restoring hope and trust on a global scale.
Guterres drew attention to the persistent challenges faced in 2023, including tens of thousands of civilian deaths, millions grappling with hunger and disease, and the planet confronting unprecedented threats due to record-breaking temperatures and escalating climate change impacts.
Highlighting 2023 as the hottest year on record, he lamented the rise in poverty, hunger, and conflicts worldwide.
The UN Chief stressed the critical need for unity and collaborative solutions to address climate action, foster economic opportunity, and establish a more equitable global financial system.
He underscored the imperative to confront discrimination and hatred, urging responsible and positive utilization of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
“The UN will persist in uniting the world in support of human rights, sustainable development, and peace,” declared Guterres, reaffirming the organization’s unwavering commitment to its core principles.
In a resolute tone, he concluded, “Let’s resolve to make 2024 a year of building trust and hope in all that we can accomplish together.”
Guterres’ message serves as a rallying call for nations to come together in pursuit of a more harmonious and sustainable global future.