"ANTONIO GUTERRES"

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) “of the resumption of the Panmunjom and inter-Korean liaison office communication channels today, as well as the reconnection of the military hotline,” spokesperson Farhan Haq said today. UNIFEED

A holistic, coordinated approach is urgently needed to transform agri-food systems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This was the call made by the QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to world leaders participating in the opening of the Pre-Summit of the UN Food Systems Summit. FAO / RAI - UN POOL

In a video message for the opening of the Olympic Games on Friday the UN Secretary-General said he is “proud to salute the world’s Olympic athletes — and I thank the people of Japan,” adding that “the Olympic spirit brings out humanity’s best: Teamwork and solidarity. Talent. Tolerance.” UNIFEED

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern at “the heightened tensions in and around the holy sites of the Old City of Jerusalem,” underscoring that “the status quo must be upheld and fully respected,” UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said. UNIFEED

In a video message on the occasion of the Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrated this Sunday, the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the Day is "an opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of a legendary global advocate for dignity, equality, justice and human rights." UNIFEED

Calling all parties to conflict to observe the Olympic Truce, the UN Secretary-General said “seeking peace and uniting around common goals is even more important this year, as we strive to end the pandemic and build a strong, sustainable and inclusive global recovery.” UNIFEED

A side event of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development provides an important opportunity to highlight both challenges and solutions related to protecting children from violence and supporting their mental well-being.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned” with the present situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray adding that the “destruction of civilian infrastructure is totally unacceptable.” PORTUGUESE GOVERNMENT HANDOUT

As Global Advocate for Every Woman Every Child, Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid said she “will not stand in the centre of the square and start waving her own ideas” because she views UN agencies and civil society organizations as her “team,” adding that she is “their tool to achieve the objectives they have set themselves.” UNIFEED

Secretary-General António Guterres said terrorist groups’ advances in Africa “have been especially alarming,” and stressed that “supporting African countries to prevent and counter the threats posed by these groups must be a global priority for us all.” UNIFEED