Expressing “deep gratitude” for the country’s “unwavering commitment to multilateralism”, Secretary General António Guterres says support and commitment are “more important today than ever”.
“In our time – a time of conflicts, the climate crisis and COVID-19 – There is simply no sustainable alternative to international and global dialogue and cooperation“I said.
Build a better world
Amid the escalation of conflicts – including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which Mr. Guterres has flagged as a violation of the country’s territorial integrity and that of uncharted – he expressed his particular concern about strikes on urban centers, such as Odesa.
“The war must end for the sake of the people of Ukraine, Russia and the whole world‘ he emphasized.
The UN chief advocates for a world that respects international law, protects civilians with a peaceful future on a healthy planet, promotes human rights and where leaders live the values that they promised to uphold.
Enhanced support
According to the top diplomat, the UN remains highly focused on extending assistance to the Ukrainian people, saving lives, reducing suffering and helping to find a path to peace.
“We will continue to push for a comprehensive cease-fire, effective humanitarian corridors and safe passage for civilians and life-saving supplies, based on what, together with the Committee of the Cross, Red International and parties, we were able to do in Mariupol,” he said.
Meanwhile, the UN has mobilized to prevent impacts beyond Ukraine’s borders – including to prevent the specter of escalating in the region.
Support Moldova
The Secretary-General recently visited Moldova, which, despite its incredible support for Ukrainian refugees, faced intertwined crises of COVID, security and high inflation due to food prices and high inflation. Energy spiked and trade routes were blocked, namely Odesa.
“I call on the international community and I to take advantage of the benefits of being here, especially the European Union, providing great support, including budgetary support, to help sustain the economy,” he said. stability of Moldova and pursue its ambitious reform agenda.
“We must also work together to protect refugees from human trafficking, gender-based violence and other forms of abuse.”
Defeat the Africans
Before Moldova, the head of the United Nations has traveled to Senegal, Niger and Nigeria, which, like developing countries everywhere, are reeling with the mounting challenges of an unabated climate emergency, recovery The uneven response to COVID, and the three-sided food, energy and financial crisis, exacerbated the war in Ukraine.
He expressed deep concern about “the famine that is becoming widespread in different parts of the world because of the dire food security situation we are facing due to the war in Ukraine.”
Stressing the importance of getting Ukrainian food and Russian and Belarusian food and fertilizers back on the market, the top UN official promised to “do everything I can to facilitate life”. dialogue can result in this respect”.
UNIS Vienna / Dean Calma
Secretary General António Guterres (left) and the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, hold a joint press conference in Vienna, Austria.
Austria: ‘Bridge builders’
Praising Austria as a steadfast ally in the search for multilateral solutions, he called it “a builder of bridges between East and West, and a generous host of many United Nations organisations.” .
“I always hear from colleagues working in Vienna that the conditions created by the Austrian authorities are so favorable that many people decide to retire and continue living here,” he said, calling it “good proof.” best for the great hospitality of our host city and host country”.
Mr. Guterres concluded by saying he looked forward to deepening the “strong partnership”.
