U.N. Chief Urges World Leaders to Choose Peace Over Conflict at General Assembly

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres opened the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York by urging heads of state and government to make a decisive choice for peace, international law, and multilateralism. According to remarks delivered by Guterres and reported by Sky News and the official U.N. transcript, he emphasized that the world faces a critical juncture, with wars raging in multiple regions and the foundational principles of the U.N. Charter under threat.

Guterres highlighted the ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza, describing the violence and humanitarian crises as a direct result of decisions that defy basic humanity and international law. He called for an immediate end to external support fueling the conflict in Sudan, a full ceasefire and just peace in Ukraine, and the implementation of International Court of Justice measures in Gaza. Guterres condemned both the October 7 Hamas attacks and the collective punishment of Palestinians, insisting that a permanent ceasefire, release of hostages, and full humanitarian access are urgently needed. He reiterated the U.N.'s longstanding support for a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace in the Middle East.

The Secretary-General warned that impunity and disregard for international rules have led to some of the most atrocious conflicts of recent times. He stressed that the U.N. Charter is not optional and that its principles must be upheld universally, not selectively. Guterres also called for reforms to make the U.N. Security Council more representative, transparent, and effective, arguing that the Council must live up to its responsibilities in maintaining global peace and security.

Guterres linked the persistence of conflict to broader issues of exclusion, inequality, and corruption, stating that real security is born of fairness and opportunity for all. He urged leaders to choose human dignity and human rights, describing these as the bedrock of peace. The Secretary-General also pointed to the need for a stronger, more inclusive United Nations, noting that for every dollar spent on peacebuilding, $750 is spent on weapons of war—a situation he called indefensible.

General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock of Germany echoed Guterres' call for unity and action, highlighting the suffering of civilians in Gaza, Ukraine, and Haiti. She underscored the Assembly's role as the heartbeat of international cooperation and called for renewed commitment to the U.N.'s founding values.

World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressed the Assembly, each presenting their perspectives on current crises. President Trump, in his address covered by ABC News, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, while warning against unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, which he argued would reward terrorism. Other leaders, such as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, condemned the violence in Gaza and called for greater international accountability.

The opening of the General Assembly comes as the U.N. marks its 80th anniversary, a milestone Guterres described as a reminder of the organization's founding purpose: to prevent war and forge solutions to humanity's most pressing challenges. He concluded his address by pledging never to give up on the pursuit of peace, dignity, and justice for all.