UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a message for the New Year 2023 reported by "Russia Today," called for making this year a time to restore peace in our lives, homes, and world. He stated, "On New Year's Eve, we close the curtain on a past year and look hopeful toward the future. In 2022, millions of people worldwide literally closed the curtain on lives that were lost," noting that "people from Ukraine to Afghanistan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond have left the ruins of their homes and livelihoods in search of something better."
He pointed out that "around the world, 100 million people have been displaced due to wars, wildfires, drought, poverty, and hunger," emphasizing that "in 2023, we need peace now more than ever." He added: "Peace with one another, through dialogue to end conflict. Peace with nature and our climate, to build a more sustainable world. Peace at home, so that women and girls can live with dignity and safety. Peace in our streets and communities, with full protection for all human rights. Peace in the places of worship we attend, with respect for each other's beliefs. Peace online, free from hate speech and abuse," urging to place peace at the heart of our words and actions throughout the New Year.
