Guterres says ‘Peace is the missing piece’ in globally, sets his priorities for 2024

Anjali Sharma

GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 8th Feb. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday addressed the General Assembly with a list of priority areas for action as he underscored that the UN was founded on the pursuit of peace.

He said that around the globe, “peace is the missing piece” as conflicts rage, divisions grow and polarization deepens.

“Peace is our raison d’être. Yet, as I scan the landscape of today’s world, the one thing missing most dramatically is peace,” he said.

He emphasized that from the conflict in Gaza to the war on the environment and in combating toxic disinformation and hate speech to forging sustainable, inclusive practices, peace is the thread that weaves through the world’s common fabric.

Guterres added “Peace is the way out of these interlinked crises; it is a rally cry and a call to action.”

He outlined a path forward to meet shared goals that despite the turbulent times, offers reasons for hope.

Guterres highlighted that civilians bear the brunt of crises worldwide, from terrorism surges in the Sahel and conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine to armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and gangs ravaging Haiti.

“For millions of people caught up in conflict around the world, life is a deadly, daily, hungry hell,” he said.

He urged a global push for peace as he addressed the crisis in Gaza, termed it a “festering wound on our collective conscience.”

Mr. Guterres called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, condemned the brutal 7 October attacks by Hamas and other militant groups on Israeli civilians, while stressed the need for a two-State solution.

He asserted that if all countries fulfilled their obligations under the UN Charter, every person’s right to a life of peace and dignity would be guaranteed.

“But, governments are ignoring and undermining the very tenets of multilateralism with zero accountability,” he said.

He pointed to a “deadlocked” Security Council.

He described the current dysfunction as deeper and more dangerous, signalling the world’s entry into “an age of chaos”.

“We are seeing the results: a dangerous and unpredictable free-for-all with total impunity,” he said.

He warned of risks from stealthier nuclear weapons to new domains of conflict and weapons.

Guterres underlined the need to strengthen and renew global peace and security frameworks to address the complexities of today’s multipolar world.

He recalled the New Agenda for Peace, which he launched in mid-2023, advocated for Security Council reform, a recommitment to eliminating nuclear weapons, intensified conflict prevention efforts and measures to mitigate the impact of geopolitical competition on global trade rules, supply chains, currencies and the internet.

SG voiced concern about rising hate speech, discrimination, extremism and human rights abuses globally.

He called for a renewed social contract based on trust, justice and inclusion, anchored in human rights, including his Call to Action for Human Rights and a forthcoming code of conduct for information integrity.

Guterres addressed the impact of new technologies.

He noted the work of the Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, which reflects the central convening role of the Organization, bring together governments, private companies, academia and civil society

Mr. Guterres highlighted the interdependence of peace and sustainable, inclusive development and emphasized to achieve the SDGs is crucial for building peace and prosperity.

He called for progress in two crucial areas: the SDG Stimulus of $500 billion annually in affordable long-term finance for developing countries and reform of the international financial architecture to respond to the needs of all countries to keep the promise of the SDGs.

Guterres stressed that the climate crisis remains the world’s most pressing challenge.

He noted the inevitable decline of the fossil fuel era and the unstoppable renewable energy revolution.

Guterres urged action this year to prevent a climate catastrophe as he called for tripling global renewable energy capacity, doubling energy efficiency by 2030 and exploring innovative sources of climate finance.

He concluded his remarks with peace remains the most essential human endeavour, capable to achieve wonders that wars never will. 

“Wars destroy; peace builds,” he said.

He added that in today’s troubled world, “building peace is a conscious, bold and even radical act.”

Guterres urged a collective commitment to this obligation for present and future generations, affirmed his unwavering dedication to push for peace.