UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a "red alert" for the world and called for unity among the global community to tackle overwhelming challenges in 2018.
"On New Year's Day 2018, I am not issuing an appeal. I am issuing an alert - a red alert for our world," the secretary general said.
"We can settle conflicts, overcome hatred and defend shared values. But we can only do that together," Guterres asserted.
Recalling that a year ago he had urged that 2017 be a year for peace, the UN chief noted that in fundamental ways, the world had gone in reverse.
Perils, including deepening conflicts and new dangers had emerged, with global concerns over nuclear weapons reaching their highest level since the Cold War, Guterres added.
At the same time, impacts of climate change worsened at an alarming rate, inequalities grew and there were horrific violations of human rights, Guterres warned.
"Nationalism and xenophobia are on the rise."
Underscoring his belief that the world can be made more safe and secure, conflicts can be settled, hatred can be overcome and shared values defended, the UN chief emphasised that unity is indispensable to achieving these goals.
"Unity is the path. Our future depends on it," Guterres said.
He urged leaders everywhere to resolve to "narrow the gaps. Bridge the divides. Rebuild trust by bringing people together around common goals".
