Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
September 18, 2025 UN
In a year marked by intensifying international crises – from growing conflicts and economic hardship to rapid climate change – the United Nations remained committed to advancing peace and sustainable development.
This is stated in the annual report Secretary-General, presented ahead of the 80th High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly. The document assesses the Organization's efforts in the face of growing threats.
Antonio Guterres He emphasized the resilience of UN staff who continue to deliver aid to people around the world despite difficult conditions:
"This report shows that despite these difficult times – or rather, precisely because they are difficult – we can and must create a better world, and we know it is within our reach," the UN chief said.
In 2024, the UN and its partners mobilized $25 billion (50 percent of the target), reaching 116 million people in need in nearly 80 countries.
These funds supported programs in the Horn of Africa, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen, and in regions affected by natural disasters – the earthquake in Vanuatu, droughts in Southern and East Africa, and floods in Southeast Asia.
But 2024 became the most tragic year in history for UN and humanitarian personnel: 373 humanitarian workers died. Most of them were employees of UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, who were working in Gaza under extremely dangerous conditions.
© UNRWA/M. Hinawi
The UN continues to provide support to the residents of Gaza.
Peace and security are at the center of the UN mission
Despite growing threats, peace diplomacy remained the core of the Organization's work. The UN's daily efforts contributed to the protection of hundreds of thousands of civilians and the advancement of peace processes.
In Syria, under UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015), the Organization continued to engage with all parties to de-escalate violence and protect civilians. In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the UN sought to end the violence and expand humanitarian operations. In Lebanon, efforts were undertaken in accordance with Resolution 1701 (2006), allowing civilians to return to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line.
The UN also supported peace negotiations, state-building processes, and the protection of citizens in Sudan and Abyei, where intercommunal violence was reduced. The UN Peacebuilding Fund allocated over $116 million to support national plans in more than 30 countries, with a particular focus on gender equality. Partnerships with regional organizations, such as the African Union, also played a vital role.
A New Vision of the Future
The 2024 Future Summit was a historic event in multilateralism. World leaders adopted the Pact for the Future—an agreement to revive international cooperation and find solutions for people and the planet. The document calls for strengthened diplomacy and conflict prevention, reform of the global financial system, accelerated action to combat climate change, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Pact's annexes endorsed the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. The former lays the foundations for a safe, open, and inclusive digital space, including bridging the digital divide and developing rules for the use of data and artificial intelligence. The latter, however, calls for taking into account the rights and interests of future generations when making decisions today.
These documents form the foundation of a renewed system of multilateral cooperation.
“By addressing the pressing challenges of our time, the United Nations is paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future where digital technologies serve all humanity,” the Secretary-General said.
Photo UN/L. Felipe
The Future Summit was held at the UN headquarters in New York in 2024.
Human rights and sustainable development
The UN continues to believe that human rights are the foundation of peace, justice, and development. In 2024, work was underway to eliminate violence against women and girls, empower rural and marginalized communities, and ensure women's participation in peace and constitutional processes.
Human rights have been integrated into approaches to conflict, migration, climate change and digital governance.
Sustainable development and climate were equally emphasized. The UN supported 170 countries in implementing national emission reduction plans and assisted developing countries in transitioning to low-carbon models. The organization also advocated for reform of the global financial system to reduce the SDG financing gap and give vulnerable countries a chance to achieve the Goals.
Loyalty to humanity
António Guterres commended the courage of UN personnel working in dangerous conditions. He condemned targeted attacks on civilians, hospitals, schools, and humanitarian workers as a violation of international law and an undermining of the UN Charter.
Despite everything, the Organization's employees continue to carry out their mission.
“We will work for peace, sustainable development and the protection of human rights for all humanity,” the Secretary-General emphasized.
These efforts, he noted, reflect the spirit of the Organization, which seeks not only to respond to the crises of today, but also to serve people around the world.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.