Secretary-General Statements

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.

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.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,   Moments ago, I laid a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial to pay homage to the more than 4,200 peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives while serving under the UN flag.  Please join me in a moment of silence in their memory.       Thank you.  This year’s Dag Hammarskjöld medal ceremony honours the 117 women and men who lost their lives in 2021 serving as peacekeepers. Our fallen colleagues came from 42 different countries and diverse backgrounds.

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers honors the more than one million women and men who have served on the frontlines of conflict and the more than 4,000 who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten.