UNITED NATIONS: Secretary General António Guterres has called for global unity to make 2024 a year for “building trust and hope” after the suffering, violence, and climate chaos of 2023.

In his New Year’s message on Monday, Guterres emphasised the need for collective efforts, stating: “Humanity is strongest when we stand together.”

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the operation in Gaza would continue in 2024 as well, stating that the action in Gaza, ongoing since Oct 7, would persist for “many more months”.

Guterres insisted on a “humanitarian ceasefire” as the only way to address the desperate needs of Gaza’s people. Despite multiple efforts, he acknowledged the ongoing pain and suffering globally, with conflicts claiming tens of thousands of civilian lives and millions displaced.

Guterres highlighted the planet’s peril due to record-breaking temperatures and worsening impact of climate change.

Addressing discrimination and hatred, he stressed the importance of ensuring technologies like artificial intelligence serve as forces for good.

Affirming the UN’s commitment, Guterres stated: “The United Nations will keep rallying the world for peace, sustainable development, and human rights.”

“Let’s resolve to make 2024 a year of building trust and hope in all that we can accomplish together.”

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2024