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UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for strengthening multilateralism – and appealed for peace in Gaza, Ukraine and beyond – in remarks to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China, on Monday.
Mr. Guterres told leaders that “we are moving towards a multipolar world”, which is both a reality and an opportunity.
He said emerging economies are reshaping trade, diplomacy and development, but at the same time, injustices and divisions are widening.
He stressed the need for principled leadership to strengthen multilateralism, uphold the rule of law, and deliver for people everywhere.
“The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is uniquely positioned to help shape a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future,” he said.
The UN chief highlighted four priority areas, starting with peace and security.
He pointed to the situation in Gaza, where the scale of death and destruction is horrific and famine has taken hold.
“We need an immediate and permanent ceasefire; the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages; and unimpeded, safe and sustained humanitarian access,” he said.
“And we must advance concrete and irreversible steps toward a two-State solution – the only path to a just and lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
Mr. Guterres also addressed the war in Ukraine, saying “it is past time for a ceasefire leading to a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace – in line with the UN Charter, international law, and UN resolutions.”
He also called for protection of civilians, fostering dialogue and securing peace in Sudan, Myanmar, the Sahel, Afghanistan and beyond.
“Your leadership in diplomacy and de-escalation is essential, as are your efforts against terrorism and transnational threats,” he told leaders.
The Secretary-General called for reform of the global financial architecture to ensure fair representation for developing countries.
“We are no longer in 1945 – and our institutions must reflect today’s realities,” he said.
The third area for action concerns confronting climate change.
“We are reaching a tipping point and need meaningful reductions of emissions. G20 countries – responsible for 80 per cent of global emissions – must lead,” he said.
He urged all governments to submit new climate action plans before the COP30 UN climate conference in Brazil this November.