UNITED NATIONS – As 2017 draws to an end, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for global unity to overcome growing challenges.
In his New Year message on Sunday, Mr. Guterres said the world appeared to have “gone in reverse” before adding, “On New Year’s Day 2018 I am not issuing an appeal, I am issuing an alert – a red alert for our world.”
“As we begin 2018, I call for unity. … We can settle conflicts, overcome hatred and defend shared values. But we can only do that together,” he added.
The U.N. chief said that conflicts have deepened, global anxieties about nuclear weapons have increased, inequalities have grown and nationalism and xenophobia are on the rise.
He stressed cooperation and collaboration should be the way forward in 2018, saying: “Unity is the path. Our future depends on it.”
The Portuguese then urged leaders “everywhere to make this New Year’s resolution: Narrow the gaps. Bridge the divides. Rebuild trust by bringing people together around common goals.”
