Welcome to the United Nations
Language:
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Press releases and statements
  4. Secretary-General Statements

Secretary-General Statements

Secretary-General's remarks at the high-level meeting on Mali and the Sahel

26 Sep 2018
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the high-level meeting on Mali and the Sahel, in New York today: Before I begin, please join me in a moment of silence for all those who sacrificed their lives for peace in Mali and the Sahel.  Thank you. In May, I had the honour of visiting Mali.  I was there to express my solidarity with the Malian people during Ramadan — and our MINUSMA [United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali] forces on Peacekeepers Day.

Secretary-General's remarks to High-Level Meeting on Peacekeeping [bilingual, as delivered]

25 Sep 2018
[scroll further down for all-English version] It is a pleasure to welcome you to this high-level meeting on Action for Peacekeeping, that also marks the 70th anniversary of United Nations peace operations. Last year, I visited Bangassou in the Central African Republic and laid a wreath in memory of the Moroccan and Cambodian peacekeepers who were killed there. It was a humbling experience. I feel a personal responsibility for the loss of every peacekeeper. Many of you here today have taken part in similar ceremonies. You understand the pain of every loss.

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Mali's presidential election

28 Jul 2018 | New York, 28 July 2018
The Secretary-General is closely following developments in Mali ahead of the presidential election scheduled to take place on 29 July 2018.   On the eve of these polls, which are important for peace and reconciliation in Mali, the Secretary-General is encouraged by the overall peaceful climate that has characterized the electoral campaign to date, despite continued security challenges in the north and center of the country.  

The Secretary-General Remarks to the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year Award and Dag Hammarskjöld Medal Ceremonies

29 May 2025 | New York
The bilingual, as delivered   Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,   Moments ago, I laid a wreath to honour Peacekeepers.   Four thousand four hundred of our precious blue helmets have lost their lives since United Nations peacekeeping was established – seventy-seven years ago today.    In their memory I would like to ask all present in this room to observe a moment of silence.   [PAUSE for silence]   Thank you.  

Remarks to the media following the Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping

14 May 2025 | Berlin, Germany
Minister Wadepuhl, Minister Pistorius,   Ladies and gentlemen,   I thank the Government of Germany for hosting impeccably this important meeting in Berlin.   Germany is a pillar of the multilateral system…   A strong and generous supporter of the United Nations…   And an essential partner in our peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance efforts — with almost 200 German peacekeepers now serving in our ranks.  

UN Secretary-General - Remarks to the Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping

13 May 2025 | Berlin, Germany
[Bilingual, as delivered]   Dear Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, our generous hosts.   Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,   My thanks to Germany for bringing us together at this consequential moment.   This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.   Our organization was founded on the conviction that peace is possible if we work as one united human family.   That is what our peace operations are about.   

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

26 Jan 2025 | New York
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and reiterates his strongest condemnation of the M23 armed group’s ongoing offensive and advances towards Goma in North Kivu with the support of the Rwanda Defence Forces. In the last 48 hours, two MONUSCO peacekeepers from South Africa and one peacekeeper from Uruguay were killed while implementing the mandate entrusted upon them by the Security Council. Eleven peacekeepers sustained injuries and are being treated in the UN hospital in Goma.

Secretary-General Video message on paternity and child support to children born out of sexual exploitation and abuse

21 Nov 2024
United Nations’ peacekeeping exists to protect the vulnerable, keep the peace, and nurture the best of humanity. Unforgivably, some people betray that mission and exploit, hurt and abuse those they are sent to protect.

Each Day that Passes Only Deepens Misery, Suffering of Lebanon’s People, Secretary-General Tells Conference, Urging Ceasefire, Hostage Release

24 Oct 2024 | Paris
Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty, in Paris today: Monsieur le President, excellencies, friends of Lebanon, I welcome this initiative by [France] President [Emmanuel] Macron and underscore our commitment to realizing the aims of this conference and supporting the people of Lebanon. We do so in the context of a region that is reeling, and Lebanon in utter turmoil. The past year has brought daily exchanges of fire across the Blue Line.

Avoid ‘All Out War’ in Lebanon, Stop ‘Tit-for-Tat Violence’ Engulfing Middle East, Secretary-General Tells Security Council

20 Oct 2024 | New York
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, in New York today: The raging fires in the Middle East are fast becoming an inferno.  Exactly one week ago, I briefed the Security Council about the alarming situation in Lebanon.  Since then, things have gone from bad to much, much worse. As I told the Council last week, the Blue Line has seen tensions for years.  But since October, exchanges of fire have expanded in scope, depth and intensity.