Guterres warns against war, global warming, others

By Bola Olajuwon, Assistant Editor

UNITED Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has in his New Year’s message warned that the world “cannot afford to be the generation that fiddled while the planet burned”.

He highlighted part of issues facing the globe as including persistent inequality, rising hatred, “a world at war and a warming planet”; with climate change as “a long-term problem” and “a clear and present danger”.

But “there is also hope”, he added, paying tribute to the power of youth around the planet.

“The United Nations stands with you, and belongs to you,” the UN Secretary-General was quoted as saying by UN National Information Officer Seyi Soremekun.

“From climate action to gender equality to social justice and human rights, your generation is on the frontlines and in the headlines”, Guterres said. “I am inspired by your passion and determination”.

Noting that young people are “rightly demanding a role in shaping the future”, he said: “I am with you”.

“The United Nations stands with you – and belongs to you” the Secretary-General said.

He noted that 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the organisation and said that “we are launching a Decade of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our blueprint for a fair globalisation”.

“This year, the world needs young people” to keep speaking out, thinking big, pushing boundaries and keeping up the pressure, he said.

The UN Secretary-General prayed for “peace and happiness” for  humanity in 2020.