UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for the restoration of peace in 2023, urging conflicts to be solved through dialogue in his New Year message.

 

"Every New Year is a moment of rebirth," he said in the video message, which was published on the UN website. "In 2023, we need peace, now more than ever."

 

According to the UN chief, millions "swept out the ashes" of 2022 with over 100 million fleeing violence, natural disasters and poverty. He mentioned the conflicts in Ukraine, Afghanistan and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), urging ending conflicts through dialogues.

 

He also appealed for peace with nature and climate for a more sustainable world, as well as peace at homes, on the streets and at communities with full protections of human rights.

 

"We need peace, now more than ever. In 2023, let's put peace at the heart of our words and actions," he said. "Together, let's make 2023 a year when peace is resorted to our lives, our homes and our world."