KABUL - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has asked all citizens, governments and leaders strive to overcome their differences and help the millions of people caught up in conflict and suffering massively in wars with no end in sight.
“On my first day as the secretary general of the United Nations, one question weighs heavily on my heart. How can we help the millions of people caught up in conflict, suffering massively in wars with no end in sight?”
Guterres, who became the world's top diplomat on Sunday (January 1) when Ban Ki-moon's second five-year term ended, in his New Year’s message asked all the people to join him in making one shared New Year’s resolution: “Let us resolve to put peace first.”
In a statement from UNAMA office in Kabul, the former Portuguese prime minister said peace must be their goal and guide from solidarity and compassion in daily lives, to dialogue and respect across political divides…from ceasefires on the battlefield, to compromise at the negotiating table to reach political solutions.
“All that we strive for as a human family – dignity and hope, progress and prosperity – depends on peace.  But peace depends on us.”
The former UNHCR chief concluded: “I appeal to you all to join me in committing to peace, today and every day. Let us make 2017 a year for peace.”  (Pajhwok)