UN @75: Secretary-General Guterres Appeals For Global Ceasefire So World Can Focus On Fight Against COVID-19

In his Message on UN Day, which is celebrated on 24 October, the Secretary-General said: “The 75th anniversary of the United Nations falls in the middle of a global pandemic. Our founding mission is more critical than ever. To promote human dignity, to protect human rights, and to respect international law. And save humanity from war.”

Guterres further said “When the pandemic hit, I called for a global ceasefire. In our world today, we have one common enemy: COVID-19. Now is the time for a stepped-up push for peace to achieve a global ceasefire. The clock is ticking.”

The Secretary-General added: “We must also make peace with our planet. The climate emergency threatens life itself. We must mobilize the whole world to reach carbon neutrality -- net zero emissions of greenhouse gasses by 2050. A growing number of countries and companies have already pledged to meet this goal.”

He continued: “Around the world, we must do more to end human suffering from poverty, inequality, hunger and hatred -- and fight discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender or any other distinction. The months of pandemic have seen a horrific rise in violence against women and girls.”

“We must build on progress. A remarkable global collaboration is underway for a safe, affordable, and accessible COVID-19 vaccine for all,” stated Guterres.

“The Sustainable Development Goals give us an inspiring blueprint for recovering better. We face colossal challenges. With global solidarity and cooperation, we can overcome them. That’s what the United Nations is all about,” added the UN’s top official.

“On this anniversary, I ask people everywhere to join together. The United Nations not only stands with you… The United Nations belongs to you and is you: ‘we the peoples.’ Together, let us uphold the enduring values of the United Nations Charter. Let us build on our advances across the decades. Let us realize our shared vision of a better world for all,” the Secretary-General concluded.

Credit: United Nations Department of Global Communications