In a poignant address to the United Nations General Assembly this week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the pressing need to create the conditions for peace around the world. Against the backdrop of intensifying conflicts and widening geopolitical divisions, Guterres outlined his key priorities for 2024, stressing the foundational mission of the United Nations: the pursuit of peace.

Guterres began his address by affirming, “Peace is our raison d’être. Yet, as I scan the landscape of today’s world, the one thing missing most dramatically is peace.” He candidly expressed a yearning for tranquility, highlighting the stark reality faced by millions of people trapped in conflicts, where life has descended into a daily struggle for survival.

The UN Secretary-General drew attention to the unprecedented numbers of individuals forced to flee their homes in search of safety, underscoring the urgent need for a global response to their pleas for peace. Guterres declared, “Our obligation is to act together for peace in all its dimensions. Peace can achieve wonders that wars never will. Wars destroy. Peace builds.”

In a bold statement, Guterres acknowledged that building peace in today’s troubled world is a conscious, bold, and even radical act. He asserted that it is humanity’s greatest responsibility, belonging to everyone – both individually and collectively. The Secretary-General urged leaders and citizens across the globe to recognize the gravity of the situation, stating, “And that responsibility belongs to us all – individually and collectively. In this difficult and divided moment, let’s meet that obligation for today and future generations. Starting here. Starting now.”

Importantly, Guterres emphasized that rising conflicts around the world pose a severe threat to global sustainability and the achievement of the global Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UN Secretary-General’s priorities for 2024 underscore the critical need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of conflict and build a foundation for lasting peace.

As the world grapples with increasing geopolitical tensions and complex challenges, Guterres’ call for collective action serves as a rallying cry for the international community to prioritize peace, act boldly, and work towards a future where stability prevails over discord. The responsibility to ensure global sustainability and the success of the Agenda for Sustainable Development lies with each individual and nation, and the time to act is now.