Guterres’ New Year Call: Choose Peace, People and Planet Over War
As the world steps into a new year burdened by conflict, inequality and climate distress, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has issued a sobering yet hopeful reminder: humanity’s future depends on the choices it makes now.
In his New Year message, Guterres urged global leaders to reset their priorities by investing more in fighting poverty than in fighting wars, stressing that lasting security can only be achieved through peace, justice and human development.
The UN Secretary General, emphasised that the world already possesses the resources needed to lift people out of poverty, heal the planet and secure a future anchored on fairness and stability.
According to him, continued investment in conflict only deepens human suffering, while meaningful investment in people and the environment creates the foundation for a safer world.
Looking ahead to 2026, the UN chief challenged leaders across the globe to “get serious” by choosing people and planet over pain, calling for bold, people-centred policies that prioritise human dignity, social justice and environmental sustainability.
Beyond governments, Guterres also appealed to citizens everywhere to take responsibility, noting that collective action and shared courage are essential to shaping a better future.
He concluded with a rallying call for unity, urging humanity to rise together in the new year, for justice, for humanity, and for peace.
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