The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, emphasized the importance of ending conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan during the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) held in Cali, Colombia.
In a press conference, Guterres stressed the urgent need to seek political solutions for these conflicts and highlighted that wars have devastating impacts on biodiversity, climate, and pollution of the planet. "We need to make peace with nature, but also among ourselves," he stated.
The Secretary-General mentioned his call for a just peace in Ukraine, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages, as well as providing massive humanitarian aid in the region. Regarding Gaza and Israel's veto against the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Guterres warned that this would have a devastating impact on the Palestinian population.
Guterres also emphasized the importance of seeking peace in Lebanon, respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity, paving the way for a political solution in the country. "That is why we have been calling for peace in Sudan, where there is a huge tragedy," the Secretary-General added.
