UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said hate speech is a danger to everyone and fighting it is a job for everyone. “This first International Day to Counter Hate Speech is a call to action. Let us recommit to doing everything in our power to prevent and end hate speech by promoting respect for diversity and inclusivity,” he said. In a message on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the UN chief on Saturday said hate speech incites violence, undermines diversity and social cohesion, and threatens the common values and principles that bind them together. Read: UN chief for working together to build peaceful, inclusive societies “It promotes racism, xenophobia and misogyny; it dehumanizes individuals and communities; and it has a serious impact on our efforts to promote peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development,” Guterres said. He said words can be weaponized and cause physical harm and the escalation from hate speech to violence has played a significant role in the most horrific and tragic crimes of the modern age, from the antisemitism driving the Holocaust, to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The internet and social media have turbocharged hate speech, enabling it to spread like wildfire across borders, said the UN chief. The spread of hate speech against minorities during the COVID-19 pandemic provides further evidence that many societies are highly vulnerable to the stigma, discrimination and conspiracies it promotes, Guterres said. Read: Overseas aid cuts imperil SDGs: UN chief “In response to this growing threat, three years ago, I launched the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech,” he said, adding that this provides a framework for their support to Member States to counter this scourge while respecting freedom of expression and opinion, in collaboration with civil society, the media, technology companies and social media platforms. Last year, the UN chief said, the General Assembly came together to pass a resolution calling for inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue to counter hate speech – and proclaimed the International Day that they mark today (June 18) for the first time.

On the opening day of a new UN Human Rights Council session on Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his “full support to the people of Myanmar”, three weeks after the military takeover that has brought thousands out onto the streets in protest. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all to coordinate their efforts to scale up Southern development successes, share them widely through enhanced cooperation, build a strong recovery and achieve the SDGs by 2030.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday appealed for "people everywhere" to support migrants as the World Bank projected that remittances will fall by about 20 percent.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all to care for nature saying nature is sending a clear message to all.   "To care for humanity, we must care for nature," said the UN chief in a message on World Environment Day that falls on Friday.    The UN chief said they need entire global community to change course. "Let’s rethink what we buy and use."   He said they are harming the natural world – to their own detriment.   The UN chief said habitat degradation and biodiversity loss are accelerating. "Climate disruption is getting worse."   Guterres said fires, floods, droughts and superstorms are more frequent and damaging.   Oceans are heating and acidifying, destroying coral ecosystems, he said.     "And now, a new coronavirus is raging, undermining health and livelihoods," the UN chief said.    He urged all to adopt sustainable habits, farming and business models, safeguard remaining wild spaces and wildlife.    "And commit to a green and resilient future," said Guterres.   He said as they work to build back better, "let’s put nature where it belongs -- at the heart of our decision making."   "On this World Environment Day, it’s time for nature," said Guterres.