UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
Pandemic response in SE Asia must address rising inequalities: UN
The United Nations has commended governments in South-East Asia for acting swiftly to stem the most serious health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Work for inclusive societies, economies: UN chief
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all to pledge to work for inclusive societies and economies that leave no one behind.
UN chief urges for new social contract, new global deal to tackle inequality
Noting that Covid-19 is a human tragedy, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday called for a New Social Contract and a New Global Deal to address inequality across the world.
COVID-19: Dhaka lauds UN role to address challenges
Bangladesh has praised UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his leadership in guiding the global efforts to address the challenges of pandemic especially in conflict situations.
"Your appeal has had important salutary effect on many conflict situations, yet, many are not paying heed and some are applying it selectively," Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Ambassador Rabab Fatima.
In her conversation with the Secretary-General, Ambassador Fatima shared Bangladesh’s contribution to maintenance of international peace and security particularly through peacekeeping.
Bangladesh PR along with PRs of nine other co-initiators (Ecuador, Egypt, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Senegal, Slovenia, and Sweden) of the joint statement of "Support to the Secretary-General’s Appeal for Global Ceasefire" virtually met António Guterres on Monday to officially hand over the statement, which was released on 22 June 2020.
"This joint statement, along with the Security Council Resolution 2532, among others, would strengthen your good offices role for bringing immediate end to hostilities in all conflict situations," said Ambassador Fatima.
The statement, which received the overwhelming endorsement by 172 UN Member States, Non-Member Observer States and Observers, was the strongest yet political support that the Appeal has received so far.
It sends a strong and clear message of solidarity and compassion with those impacted by the hostilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic, said the Bangladesh Mission in the UN on Tuesday.
In his response, the UN Secretary-General termed the joint statement as ‘one of the best and most important endorsements to his Appeal in the UN’ and thanked all the co-initiators for this.
While referring to some significant and successful impacts of the Appeal, he also admitted that much more remains to be done and implementation remains the key.
Guterres stressed the importance of continued global solidarity and its expansion to other areas.
This sentiment was also shared by the co-initiators.
The appeal has been the high point of Secretary-General’s efforts in garnering political support for pandemic response. Bangladesh was also among the first rank of countries to have endorsed the Appeal once earlier through another platform when it was made on 23 March.
Act together to rebuild more equal, resilient greener future for all: UN
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged national parliaments everywhere to play their full part in advancing sustainable and inclusive responses to ensure a better and greener future for all.
This should include, in collaboration with civil society, national action plans against racial discrimination, he said.
"We must act together to rebuild a more equal, resilient and greener future for all," said the UN chief in a message for the Commemoration of the International Day of Parliamentarism that falls on June 30.
At the same time, he urged all to remember that no nation can succeed on its own.
"Let us seize every opportunity to reshape and secure our common future, take ambitious climate action and place human rights and human dignity at the core of our work," Guterres said.
The UN chief said the International Day of Parliamentarism is a timely occasion to honour the pivotal role of Parliaments in giving people a voice and influence to shape policy.
"As a former Parliamentarian, I am deeply conscious of the responsibility and privilege of representing people and delivering on their aspirations," said the UN chief.
Parliaments have a special duty to advance human rights and promote sustainable development, he said adding that more than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic reminds them of these vital tasks.
"As the world responds to the pandemic, we see the critical importance of adequate health systems, robust social safety networks, and equitable economic growth that generates decent jobs," Guterres said.
He mentioned: "We also see the most vulnerable in our societies, especially women, bearing the greatest burden."
The UN chief said inequalities, stigmas, divisions and the fragilities of the world have multiplied before their eyes.
UN chief for humanity joining hands together in unity
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all to realize the vision of peace, human rights and justice for everyone.
Refugees: UN recognises generosity, humanity of host countries
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has recognised the generosity and humanity of host communities and countries towards refugees that often struggle with their own economic and security concerns.
Sexual Violence: UN for holding perpetrators accountable
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for holding perpetrators accountable and expanding support for all those affected due to sexual violence.
Grateful to countries that opened borders, hearts to refugees, migrants: UN chief
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has lauded the developing countries that have opened their borders and hearts to refugees and migrants, despite their own social, economic, and now health, challenges.
UN to honour 2 fallen Bangladesh peacekeepers
Two Bangladeshi peacekeepers, who have lost their lives in the line of duty, will be honoured at United Nations ceremony as the UN Headquarters will observe the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Friday.