“Every new year is a moment of rebirth‘ said Antonio Guterres. We sweep away the ashes of the old year and prepare for a brighter day. In 2022 millions of people around the world literally swept away ashes.”
The impact on civilians caused over 100 million people to flee violence, wildfires, drought, poverty and hunger, the UN chief said.
Let’s make 2023 a year of restoring peace to our lives, our homes, and our world
“In 2023 we need peace, now more than ever. Peace with one another, through dialogue, to end conflict. Peace with nature and our climate to build a more sustainable world.”
live with dignity
Peace is also needed in families and homes “so that women and girls can live in dignity and security,” Mr Guterres added, as is peace in the streets, which too often have seen violent reprisals from security forces in response to peaceful protests.
Protesters and entire communities need “full human rights protections,” he said, and for those of religious belief there must be peace in places of worship, along with greater tolerance of other faiths.
Live free from hate
There must also be peace online, he added, so that all societies can enjoy the internet “free of hate speech and abuse” instead of disinformation and conspiracy theories.
In 2023, let us put peace at the center of our words and deeds,” said the Secretary-General.
“Let’s work together to make 2023 a year of restoring peace to our lives, our homes, and our world.”
Secretary General António Guterres visits a refugee center in Chisinau, Moldova.
