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Secretary-General Statements

You Are ‘on the Front Line of Peace’, Says Secretary-General, in Solidarity Message to United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon

17 Oct 2024
The following solidarity message by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was issued today: Earlier this week, I had the privilege of speaking with representatives of your countries here in New York.  Today, I want to speak to you directly. I want to say to you what I said to them:  I am full of admiration and gratitude to the men and women of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).  I am so proud of you — and I know your countries are proud of you, too.

Safety, Security of United Nations Personnel, Property Must Be Guaranteed, Secretary-General Reiterates

13 Oct 2024
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres: Against the backdrop of the ongoing hostilities in southern Lebanon and despite attacks that have hit United Nations positions, injuring a number of peacekeepers in the past several days, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers remain in all positions and the UN flag continues to fly.  The Secretary-General pays tribute to the dedicated personnel of UNIFIL.

Leadership for Peace Means ‘Living Up to UN Charter’, Says Secretary-General at Security Council Debate

25 Sep 2024 | New York
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Security Council’s high-level debate on “Leadership for peace:  united in respect of the UN Charter, in search of a secure future”, in New York today: I thank the Government of Slovenia for convening this high-level debate on Leadership for Peace. The topic is rooted in a fundamental truth:  Peace is never automatic.  Peace demands action.  And peace demands leadership.

‘Hell Is Breaking Loose’ in Lebanon, All-Out War Must Be Avoided, Secretary-General Tells Security Council

25 Sep 2024 | New York
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Security Council meeting on Lebanon, in New York today: Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon.  As I told the General Assembly yesterday, we should all be alarmed by the escalation.  Lebanon is at the brink. Of course, the Blue Line has seen tensions for years. But, since October 2023, exchanges of fire have expanded in scope, depth and intensity.

Press Conference by Secretary-General António Guterres at United Nations Headquarters

18 Sep 2024 | New York
Following is the transcript of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ press conference in New York today: Good morning. We are just days away from The Summit of The Future and the opening of the general debate. Discussions on the outcome of the Summit are in the final stretch. I will not go into the details, but I have one overriding message today:  an appeal to Member States for a spirit of compromise. Show the world what we can do, when we work together. Why is this so critical?

‘We Can Never Forget Courage of the Timorese Resistance’, Says Secretary-General, in Remarks to Timor-Leste Parliament

30 Aug 2024
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Timor-Leste Parliament, in Dili today: I don’t know how to thank you for the distinction that has just been announced.  The only thing I can say is that from now on there is a Secretary-General of the United Nations who is both Portuguese and Timorese. And it is with pride that I assume this nationality of a heroic people and I will do everything so that when I complete my duties, the Timorese can be proud of what their citizen has done.

With Under-Representation in Voice, Over-Representation in Challenges, Africa Must Have Permanent Seat, Secretary-General Tells Security Council, Citing ‘Glaring Omission’

12 Aug 2024 | New York
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Security Council debate on “Maintenance of Peace and Security:  Addressing the Historical Injustice and Enhancing Africa’s Effective Representation in the United Nations Security Council”, in New York today:

Secretary-General, Addressing UN Global Service Centre, Hails Its Collaborative Action, Life-Saving Impact in Some of World’s Most Dangerous Places

13 Jun 2024 | Brindisi
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the United Nations Global Service Centre, in Brindisi today:  Vice Primo Ministro e Ministro degli Affari Esteri Tajani, Sindaco Marchionna, Governatore Emiliano, Illustri ospiti, signore e signori. È meraviglioso essere di nuovo a Brindisi. Permettetemi di iniziare ringraziando il governo e la popolazione di Brindisi per il vostro caloroso benvenuto. E ringrazio l’Italia per essere un così buon amico, alleato e ospite delle Nazioni Unite.

Secretary-General, at Dag Hammarskjöld Medals Ceremony, Honours 61 Fallen Peacekeepers, Presents Military Gender Advocate Award to Indian Commander

30 May 2024 | New York
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks At the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal Ceremony and the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, in New York today: I’d like to ask all of you to [observe] one moment of silence, paying tribute to our peacekeepers who have given their life to the cause of peace.

United Nations Peacekeepers ‘Embody Humanity’s Highest Ideal — Peace’, Says Secretary-General in Message for International Day

22 May 2024
Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed on 29 May: Today we pay tribute to the more than 76,000 United Nations peacekeepers who embody humanity’s highest ideal:  peace. Hailing from over 120 countries, our blue helmets serve in 11 peace operations in conflict-affected areas in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.