The UN says it is pressing ahead with a mission for a better world during a year of escalating global turmoil, including widening wars, economic hardship and relentless advance of the climate crisis.

UN secretary-general António Guterres stated this in his annual report released on Thursday ahead of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly’s yearly high-level session.

“The present report demonstrates that despite enormously trying times, indeed, precisely because of them, we can and must keep pushing for the better world that we know is within reach. We will renew our efforts to achieve peace, foster sustainable development and defend and uphold human rights, for all of humanity,” Mr Guterres said.

He noted that by addressing the pressing issues of our time, the UN is paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future, ensuring that digital technologies are harnessed for the benefit of all humanity.

The UN chief also said the global body had held its ground, working to promote peace, drive sustainable development and ease human suffering. The report offers a sobering yet resolute account of the UN’s efforts in the face of mounting challenges, he said.

Mr Guterres highlighted the resilience of UN personnel, committed to delivering hope and help to those in need in spite of operating under difficult circumstances.

Together with partners, the report said the UN coordinated a $50 billion appeal for the humanitarian needs of 198 million people.

“In 2024, the United Nations helped to mobilise $25 billion of the $50 billion funding target. This enabled life-saving humanitarian assistance to reach 116 million people in urgent need across 77 countries and territories,” Mr Guterres said.

At the same time, UN operations in 2024 came at a heartbreaking human cost. It was the deadliest year on record for UN staff and humanitarian workers, with 373 aid workers killed.

In launching the report, the secretary-general paid tribute to their sacrifice, reaffirming the UN’s unwavering commitment to standing with the world’s most vulnerable.

Mr Guterres stressed that diplomacy for peace remained core to the UN’s work amid escalating global challenges to peace and security. In spite of rising threats, he said the UN’s diplomatic efforts continued to protect hundreds of thousands of civilians daily and advance peace processes.

The UN facilitated peace talks, supported state-building efforts and helped to protect civilians globally, including in the Sudan. The Peacebuilding Fund allocated over 116 million dollars to support national peace plans in 32 countries and territories, with a focus on gender equality.

Partnerships with regional organisations, like the African Union, further bolstered conflict prevention. The 2024 Summit of the Future marked a historic turning point for multilateralism.

World leaders adopted the Pact for the Future, a landmark agreement to revitalise international cooperation and deliver solutions for people and the planet.

The summit also commits to more representative and effective global governance, including reforms to the Security Council and greater voice for developing countries.

(NAN)