Pandemic makes UN’s mission more critical than ever – Guterres

UNITED NATIONS – The United Unions (UN) will push forward its founding mission of promoting human dignity, protecting human rights, respecting international law, and saving humanity from war as it marks its 75th anniversary today, October 24.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said “the 75th anniversary of the UN falls in the middle of a global pandemic. Our founding mission is more critical than ever.”

“When the pandemic hit, I called for a global ceasefire,” Guterres said.

“In our world today, we have one common enemy: COVID-19,” he added.

He said now is the time for a stepped-up push for peace to achieve a global ceasefire.

“The clock is ticking,” he warned. “We must also make peace with our planet. The climate emergency threatens life itself,” Guterres said.

The UN Chief said there is a need to mobilize the whole world to reach carbon neutrality — net zero emissions of greenhouse gasses by 2050.

“Around the world, we must do more to end human suffering from poverty, inequality, hunger and hatred — and fight discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender or any other distinction. The months of pandemic have seen a horrific rise in violence against women and girls,” he said.

He said a remarkable global collaboration is under way for a safe, affordable, and accessible COVID-19 vaccine for all.

“We face colossal challenges. With global solidarity and cooperation, we can overcome them,” he said.

“That’s what the United Nations is all about. I ask people everywhere to join together. The United Nations not only stands with you. The United Nations belongs to you and is you: we the peoples,” Guterres said. (Isabel C. de Leon)