United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has used the occasion of the Chinese New Year to call for renewed global unity, cooperation and resolve, as the world confronts escalating conflicts, inequality and the worsening climate crisis.

In his message marking the start of the Year of the Horse, the Secretary-General also expressed appreciation for China and the Chinese people, praising their role in supporting multilateralism and global solidarity. His remarks reflect the UN’s broader emphasis on cooperation among nations at a time when international institutions face growing pressure.

Guterres also highlighted the symbolic meaning of the animal, describing it as a representation of energy, success and the courage to forge ahead. He said these qualities are urgently needed at a time when international tensions are high and multilateral solutions are under increasing strain.

The Secretary-General emphasized that the Chinese New Year, traditionally associated with renewal and fresh beginnings, offers an opportunity for the international community to recommit to shared goals. He stressed that collective action remains essential to building a safer, more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ core principles, calling for continued efforts to advance peace, uphold human dignity and accelerate sustainable development. He noted that these values remain central to addressing today’s interconnected global challenges.

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