Source: UN News: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 00:01 AM
The top UN official, Antonio Guterres, while presenting his priorities in the last year of his tenure, has pledged that during 2026, every possible effort will be made to ensure full observance of the UN Charter, promote peace and mutual solidarity. According to him, the United Nations is a living promise to find solutions to common challenges together, which must be protected at all costs. Tweet URL
Addressing the UN General Assembly on Thursday, UN chief António Guterres expressed concern that the world is living through a turbulent period of conflict, inequality and uncertainty, marked by geopolitical fractures, flagrant violations of international law and cuts to development and humanitarian assistance. “These forces, and others, are shaking the foundations of global cooperation and the very essence of multilateralism. Endurance is being tested.” According to the Secretary-General, it is a paradox of our times that when international cooperation is needed most, the willingness to use and invest in it is lowest. The UN chief said some parties want to see international cooperation die out, but “I assure you: we will not give up.” He stressed that in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and beyond, he remains fully committed to peace and looks forward to supporting Efforts will continue to deliver life-saving assistance to those in need. “And let us recognize that even in the midst of these turmoil, we have made a place for the United Nations where it was not given a place.” In this sequence, the UN chief mentioned new mechanisms for shaping the global discussion on artificial intelligence, allocating financial resources for development, advocating for reforms, and leaving no one behind. He said that he would take climate action They have been vocal on the need and have demanded ambitious action from governments, businesses and civil society. Efforts will be continued in all these areas. Expressing concern over the attack on international law, the Secretary General said that this is not being done secretly, but is happening in front of the eyes of the whole world, on our screens. He expressed deep anger over the attacks on civilians and humanitarian aid workers, the unconstitutional change of government, the suppression of dissenting voices, the trampling of human rights and the plundering of resources. The UN chief warned that wealth and power are increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few, with the world’s richest 1 per cent holding 43 per cent of global financial assets. “Intensification at this level cannot be morally defended.” Three key principles The UN chief said he is committed to continuing his efforts towards a better world and to making the most of every day by 2026. In this sequence, he mentioned three principles: first, UN Charter Adherence to it completely, without any hesitation. He called it an agreement that binds us all and cannot be arbitrarily chosen. “This Charter is the foundation of international relations – the cornerstone of peace, sustainable development and human rights.” UN Photo/Manuel Elias UN chief Antonio Guterres presented the organization’s priorities for 2026 at the General Assembly. Second, tireless efforts for peace with justice. Peace between countries and peace with nature. He said that peacekeeping is at the center of the efforts of the United Nations. Peace is not merely the absence of war. For this, peace will have to be built on the foundation of international law and human rights, otherwise there are risks in any solution. Third, efforts will have to be made to promote unity in this era full of rifts. He warned that racism, xenophobia and bigotry are tearing societies apart and poisoning the fabric of communities, creating division and increasing distrust. The UN chief said that we have to choose between inclusion or isolation, between standing anew or becoming victims of decline. “In a world of united nations, we must build united societies.”
