Guterres urges leaders to invest in peace as conflicts deepen

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on world leaders to prioritize peacebuilding as global violence and division deepen human suffering. Speaking at the Japanese Peace Bell ceremony at UN Headquarters, he warned that peace requires active effort, not passive acceptance, yet current actions are insufficient. Guterres highlighted the worsening impact of conflicts and the absence of necessary dialogue and solidarity to address them effectively.

He emphasized the theme of the upcoming International Day of Peace—‘Investing in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day’—and praised volunteers, peacekeepers, and civil society leaders for their efforts. Guterres noted that when governments fail to deliver peace, individuals and communities are stepping up to bridge divides and heal wounds, demonstrating alternative pathways to peace.

The Secretary-General urged leaders to invest in health, education, nutrition, and social protection, while strengthening trustworthy institutions and safeguarding human rights. He also called for renewed commitment to diplomacy, dialogue, negotiation, and peacekeeping to end ongoing conflicts and prevent new ones from emerging.

Guterres concluded by urging leaders to take concrete action, invest in solutions, and commit to the long-term work of building sustainable peace. He acknowledged the Japanese Peace Bell’s symbolic role in representing global aspirations for peace and noted this would be his final ringing of the bell as Secretary-General.