Guterres urges commitment to peace as global cooperation faces challenges

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for a renewed commitment to peace and international cooperation as wars rage, temperatures rise and human rights come under growing pressure.

Speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the death of former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold, Guterres said the values embodied by his predecessor remain a guide in today's turbulent world.

“We mark Hammarskjold’s death at a time when global cooperation is under siege, wars are raging, temperatures are rising, and human rights are being trampled,” Guterres said.

Hammarskjold was killed in 1961 when his aircraft crashed while he was traveling on a peace mission to negotiate a ceasefire in the Congolese region of Katanga.

Guterres said he had received the latest report from former Tanzanian Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman on the investigation into the crash and would soon convey his recommendations to the General Assembly.

He urged member states and other parties to disclose any relevant documents that may help determine what happened, saying the families of those killed, the UN and the world “deserve answers.”

Hammarskjold died alongside 15 colleagues and crew members from several countries. Guterres honored their sacrifice and paid tribute to UN personnel who have lost their lives while serving the organization.

Drawing on Hammarskjold’s legacy, Guterres urged the international community to confront today’s crises with “integrity in the face of raw power, compassion for those who are suffering, and humility.”

“Let us be without fear, let us be just, and let us never abandon the work of peace,” he said.