Guterres made the call at a religious event at the UN Headquarters in New York on Friday to observe a moment of prayer for peace.
The gathering took place at a unique moment on the last Friday of Ramadan, as Christians celebrated Easter, Jews marked the end of Passover, and Sikhs enjoyed the Festival of Vaisakhi.
The ceremony was held at the Visitors Plaza, UN Secretariat, in front of the iconic Knotted Gun sculpture, a symbol of the organisation’s commitment to global peace.
“Even the calendar is sending a message of unity.
“Today, at this blessed moment of renewal across faiths, let us lift our hearts and voices for peace – our guiding star and our most precious goal,” Guterres said.
According to the UN chief, peace is needed today more than ever before, as war and conflict unleash devastating poverty and hunger, forcing tens of millions from their homes.
“The entire planet is battling climate chaos, and even peaceful countries are facing gaping inequalities and political polarisation.
“Let us hold firm to the common faith that unites the human family. Let us come together as communities and countries. Let us pray for peace,” he said.
NAN
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