UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations urged global leaders Monday (Dec 29) to focus on people and the planet in a New Year’s message depicting the world in chaos.
“As we enter the new year, the world stands at a crossroads. Chaos and uncertainty surround us. Division. Violence. Climate breakdown. And systemic violations of international law,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a video message.
In 2026, as war rages in Ukraine and elsewhere, world leaders must work to ease human suffering and fight climate change, he added.
“I call on leaders everywhere: Get serious. Choose people and planet over pain,” said Guterres, criticising the global imbalance between military spending and financing for the poorest countries.