UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a red alert on 2018, calling for unity among the international community in order to face the world's challenges
In his New Year message on Sunday, Guterres said the world appeared to have "gone in reverse" before adding, "On New Year's Day 2018 I am not issuing an appeal, I am issuing an alert - a red alert for our world."
"As we begin 2018, I call for unity. ... We can settle conflicts, overcome hatred and defend shared values. But we can only do that together." CNN cited the UN Secretary-General as saying.
Reflecting on his January message when he assumed the secretary-general position, Guterres said that conflicts have deepened, global anxieties about nuclear weapons have increased, inequalities have grown and nationalism and xenophobia are on the rise.
Guterres stressed cooperation and collaboration should be the way forward in 2018, saying: "Unity is the path. Our future depends on it." He then urged leaders "everywhere to make this New Year's resolution: Narrow the gaps. Bridge the divides. Rebuild trust by bringing people together around common goals."
