UN Chief's Priorities for 2026 - General Assembly | United Nations

Secretary-General António Guterres said, “That is the paradox of our era: at a time when we need international cooperation the most, we seem to be the least inclined to use it and invest in it. Some seek to put international cooperation on deathwatch. I can assure you: we will not give up.” Addressing the General Assembly for the last time, Guterres set out priorities for the year ahead, pledging to focus his remaining time in office on advancing the Organization’s work. He warned that the global environment is increasingly unstable, saying, “Let’s be clear: the context is chaos. We are a world brimming with conflict, impunity, inequality, and unpredictability,” marked by geopolitical divides, violations of international law, and cuts to development and humanitarian aid. As the United Nations pushes forward with reforms, Guterres said its actions must be anchored in core principles. He urged Member States to fully respect the UN Charter, stating, “The Charter is a compact which binds us all. It is not an à la carte menu, it is prix fixe.” He warned that leaders who selectively follow international law are undermining global order and setting a dangerous precedent. Turning to inequality, Guterres highlighted the concentration of wealth, noting that the top one percent holds 43 percent of global financial assets and that the richest 500 individuals added $2.2 trillion to their fortunes last year. He said, “The concentration of power and wealth in so few hands is morally indefensible,” calling it a clear danger to the promise of equal rights and dignity. The Secretary-General said peace remains central to the UN’s mission, but warned that ongoing conflicts have trapped millions in cycles of violence, hunger and displacement. He said, “The suffering cannot go on.” On Gaza, Guterres welcomed the start of Phase Two of the ceasefire and reiterated that that humanitarian aid must flow unimpeded. He said the ceasefire must be fully implemented and the way cleared toward “an irreversible path to a two-state solution in accordance with international law.” He also addressed other conflicts, calling for renewed efforts to stop the fighting in Ukraine and Sudan. He said, “From Yemen to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from Haiti to the Sahel to Myanmar and around the world, we must never give up in the pursuit for peace.” Linking peace to rights, Guterres said, “Peace with justice means peace grounded in international law and on human rights,” and warned of shrinking civic space worldwide. He said he was “deeply concerned by the violent repression in Iran.” Concluding, Guterres urged unity in an age of division, warning that racism, xenophobia and religious bigotry are corroding societies. While acknowledging states’ rights to manage borders and security, he said migrants and refugees also have rights that must be respected, calling on countries “to build welcoming societies, not walled-off citadels.”


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