December 28th, United Nations Secretary-General Guterres issued a message for the 2021 New Year.
He said 2020 was a “year of trials, tragedy and tears” but that the New Year was approaching, “we saw the dawn of hope” and that 2021 would be a “year of healing”.
In his speech, Guterres praised the kindness of people around the world, the tireless efforts of front-line medical staff, scientists who have developed vaccines in limited time, and the new actions taken by many countries to save the planet from climate disasters.
He also mentioned the problems faced in 2020.
The COVID-19 epidemic continues, a new wave of illness and death is coming, poverty, inequality, hunger and other issues are becoming more serious. Some people are unemployed, some people are in debt, and children are also struggling.
However, “the New Year is coming,” Guterres said.
He called for 2021 to be a year of healing, with all people coming together so that “the dawn of hope can shine on the world.” Guterres also pointed out that only when all people are in the same boat can crises such as the coronavirus epidemic and climate change be overcome, which is also part of the transition to an inclusive and sustainable future.
Regarding the 2021 United Nations plan, Guterres said that one of the core goals is to build a global alliance to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
He called on the world to unite not only to achieve harmony between people, but also to achieve harmonious coexistence with nature, jointly respond to the climate crisis, contain the coronavirus epidemic, make 2021 a “year of healing”, “cure the impact of COVID-19, heal the broken economy and society, heal divisions, and open Start to heal the earth.
