It starts with the right to peace.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is inflicting untold suffering on the Ukrainian people, with profound global implications. The prospects for peace keep diminishing. The chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing.
I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a wider war. I fear it is doing so with its eyes wide open. But the world needs peace and peace in line with the United Nations Charter and international law.
We must work harder for peace everywhere. In Palestine and Israel, where the two-State solution is growing more distant by the day. In Afghanistan, where the rights of women and girls are being trampled and deadly terrorist attacks continue. In the Sahel, where security is deteriorating at an alarming rate. In Myanmar, which is facing new cycles of violence and repression. In Haiti, where gang violence is holding the entire country hostage.
And elsewhere around the world for the two billion people who live in countries affected by conflict and humanitarian crises. […]
The New Agenda for Peace should aim to maximize the convening power of the United Nations as a platform for broad-based coalitions and effective diplomacy. The Black Sea Grain Initiative shows this approach can get results – even in the middle of a deadly war. The Deputy Secretary-General’s recent visit to Afghanistan – and her consultations in the region and beyond — show that we will seek to build consensus around human rights even in the most challenging situations.
This year, let’s move forward together with bold, innovative approaches so that the United Nations can better fulfil its promise “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.” Läs talet