On the 80th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged nations to recommit to the founding principles of peace, justice, and collective progress.

“Peace is possible when humanity stands together,” Guterres said to the General Assembly, reiterating the urgent need for unity in a world facing rising conflict and division.

The UN Charter, signed in 1945 after the devastation of World War II, laid the foundation for global cooperation and the prevention of future wars. Reflecting on its enduring relevance, Guterres called on member states to uphold the Charter, its spirit, its responsibilities, and its call to build a better future for ‘we the peoples’.

This milestone comes at a critical moment in history, as geopolitical tensions, health crises, and social inequalities challenge the world’s shared vision.

Speaking not only as the head of the UN but as a voice for global peace, Guterres invoked the original hope planted in the aftermath of war, emphasizing that the path forward must be one of solidarity.

The Secretary-General’s message serves as a clarion call for recommitment, not just to the words of the Charter, but to the spirit of global unity it represents.