In his message for the new year, published this Monday, the Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, invited the world to “make a new start” in 2025. Looking back on a year 2024 marked by multiple crises, he expressed concern about a decade of deadly heat and real-time climate collapse.
A year of major challenges
“Hope has been hard to find,” Mr. Guterres said, noting that wars have led to immense suffering, while inequalities and divisions have exacerbated tensions and mistrust. He also recalled that the last decade was the hottest on record, a real wake-up call for humanity.
“We are witnessing climate collapse – in real time. We must leave this path that is leading us to catastrophe – and we have no time to lose,” he warned.
2025: a year of action and transition
The UN chief called on countries to take decisive action in 2025 to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the transition to a future based on renewable energy. “It’s essential – and it’s possible,” he said with conviction.
Hope, a driver of change
Despite the grim realities, Mr. Guterres insisted on the central role of hope in driving change. He saluted the activists, young and old, who campaign for a better future, as well as the humanitarian heroes who brave obstacles to help the most vulnerable.
Hope, he said, is also found in developing countries demanding climate and financial justice, as well as in scientific and technological advances that open up new perspectives for humanity.
A Pact for the Future
The Secretary-General highlighted the “Compact for the Future”, adopted last September by UN Member States. This pact offers new impetus for:
- Building peace through disarmament and prevention.
- Reform the global financial system.
- Strengthen future prospects for women and young people.
- Establish technological safeguards that put human rights before profits.
A commitment to a better future
Mr. Guterres concluded his message by saying that the future of 2025 remains uncertain, but he pledged to support all those working for a more peaceful, equal, stable and sustainable world.
“By joining forces, we can make a fresh start in 2025,” he said. “Not in a divided world, but as united nations.”
