Guterres Urges New Push For Global Ceasefire Amid Fight To Beat Coronavirus

UNITED NATIONS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Oct, 2020 ) :Marking United Nations' 75th anniversary, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for stepped-up push for a global ceasefire so that the world focuses on the fight against the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

"In our world today, we have one common enemy: COVID-19", he said in his message for UN Day on October 24.

"Now is the time for a stepped-up push for peace to achieve a global ceasefire," the UN chief said, adding, "The clock is ticking." The UN chief initially issued the appeal for combatants to lay down their arms shortly after the pandemic was declared in March.

UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter, the Organization's founding document.

The treaty outlines the UN's goals of promoting human dignity, protecting human rights and saving humanity from conflict.

That founding mission "is more critical than ever", the Secretary-Genera said.

Also crucial is the need to "make peace with our planet", he added, stating "We must mobilize the whole world to reach carbon neutrality - net zero emissions of greenhouse gasses by 2050." Despite the constraints imposed by the global pandemic, countries around the globe are celebrating the UN's historic birthday, the UN said.

More than 180 iconic buildings across Europe will be lit up in blue, the Organization's official colour: from monuments to museums, to bridges and beyond.

The initiative is a symbolic attempt to unite people worldwide, and to promote peace, sustainable development and human rights, it said.

As the Secretary-General stated, more must be done to end poverty, inequality, hunger and hatred, and to combat discrimination based on race, religion, gender or any other distinction.

He drew attention to the situation of women and girls, as the pandemic has led to "a horrific rise" in gender-based violence.

The UN chief also underlined the need to "build on progress", pointing to the global collaboration currently underway to develop a safe, affordable and accessible COVID-19 vaccine.

This banner year has also seen the start of a Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their promise of a better future for all people and the planet.

For him, Guterres said the 17 SDGs provide an inspiring blueprint for recovering better after the pandemic.

Although the world faces colossal challenges, the UN chief said he was confident that they can be overcome through global solidarity and cooperation, saying: "That's what the United Nations is all about." Guterres asked people everywhere to unite on this UN anniversary.

"Together, let us uphold the enduring values of the United Nations Charter", he declared. "Let us build on our advances across the decades. Let us realize our shared vision of a better world for all."