The United Nations has pledged to push forward its mission for a better and fairer world despite worsening global challenges, including intensifying conflicts, economic pressures, and the accelerating climate crisis.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres made the commitment in his annual report released on Thursday ahead of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly’s high-level meetings.
“Despite these enormously trying times – and indeed, because of them – we must continue striving for the better world we know is possible,” Guterres said. “We will renew our efforts to achieve peace, drive sustainable development, and protect human rights for all people.”
The report emphasised that the UN has continued to promote peace, advance development, and ease human suffering, even under some of the most difficult circumstances in its history.
According to Guterres, UN personnel showed remarkable resilience while working in crisis zones. Together with international partners, the organisation coordinated a humanitarian appeal of $50 billion to support nearly 200 million people. In 2024 alone, $25 billion was raised, allowing life-saving assistance to reach 116 million people across 77 countries and territories.
The year, however, was also marked by tragedy. It became the deadliest on record for UN staff and humanitarian workers, with 373 aid personnel losing their lives. Guterres paid tribute to their sacrifice, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to standing with the world’s most vulnerable.
Diplomacy for peace, he noted, remained central to the organisation’s mission. The UN’s efforts, from facilitating peace talks to protecting civilians, continued to shield hundreds of thousands from violence and supported peace processes, including in Sudan.
The UN Peacebuilding Fund allocated over $116 million to back national peace strategies in 32 countries, with a strong emphasis on gender equality. Partnerships with regional organisations such as the African Union also strengthened conflict-prevention measures.
A highlight of 2024 was the Summit of the Future, where world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future—a landmark agreement aimed at revitalising multilateralism, strengthening international cooperation, and delivering solutions for people and the planet.
The pact also committed to more representative and effective global governance, including reforms to the UN Security Council and increased voice for developing countries.