By Matik Kueth
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for greater global solidarity and mutual understanding through dialogue, emphasizing its vital role in combating hate and division.
In a video message shared Tuesday on his official X platform, Guterres marked the first-ever International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, urging the world to “answer hate with humanity.”
“The United Nations was built on a fundamental conviction: dialogue is the path to peace. Where dialogue is missing, ignorance fills the void,” Guterres said.
He warned against the growing voices of intolerance and xenophobia, which are often fueled by misinformation and hate speech online.
“In our fractured world, dialogue is not optional – it is essential for building bridges of understanding and trust,” he added.
The International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations was established in 2024 following the adoption of a China-led resolution, co-sponsored by over 80 countries, by the UN General Assembly.
June 10 will now be observed annually to promote dialogue as a tool for peace and cooperation among diverse cultures and nations.
The UN also highlighted the growing humanitarian crises in 2024, with a record 323.4 million people in need of assistance globally.
The organization cited climate change and conflicts in regions such as Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza as major drivers of displacement, hunger, and devastation.
As challenges deepen worldwide, Guterres reaffirmed that the only path forward is one rooted in empathy, dialogue, and collective action.