Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.  Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States -- within their internationally recognized borders.The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State -- and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 -- following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago -- is a clear violation of these principles.And civilian populations continue to pay the price.  The death toll keeps rising.  Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.  Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets are only adding pain and misery.  Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities -- wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.  And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.  This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.But, we need the support of the international community.  Fifteen million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance -- more than half of them women and girls.  But, as winter is approaching, less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground. We are also assisting the Government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.  This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites -- particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.  I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.Two and half years since the full-blown invasion of Ukraine, more than 11,000 civilians have been killed.  The longer this tragic war continues, the greater the risk of escalation and spillover.This would not only impact the region, but further deepen global tensions and divisions -- at a time when our world desperately needs more cooperation and collective action.  We must stop the suffering and break the cycle of violence -- for the sake of the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and the world.The Black Sea Initiative and the continued exchanges of prisoners of war serve as reminders that, when there is political will, diplomacy can succeed -- even in the darkest hour.Today, though the prospects for peace may seem distant, I am inspired by the growing calls for dialogue. So, let us intensify our efforts to seek peace in Ukraine -- a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly. The United Nations stands ready to support all efforts towards achieving this goal.  Thank you.[END]

Message of UN Secretary-General António GuterresAs populations age, care and support systems are vital for older persons to continue actively engaging and enriching their communities.Yet too often older persons do not have access to this crucial assistance, deepening inequalities and increasing their vulnerabilities.  This disparity falls even heavier on women, including older women, who bear the brunt of providing unpaid care.Recognizing the rights of both those who receive care and care givers is essential for more resilient societies.  We must work to cultivate people-centred care systems that are sustainable and equitable, and they must amplify the voices of older persons by ensuring their participation in policymaking.That requires investing in the infrastructure for formal long-term care, ensuring opportunities for decent work, and enabling individuals to transition from informal to formal care.On this International Day of Older Persons, let’s commit to strengthen care and support systems that honour the dignity of older persons and caregivers.[END]

On the International Day of Non-Violence, we commemorate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and reaffirm the values to which he dedicated his life: equality, respect, peace and justice.  Our world today is bristling with violence.Across the globe, conflicts are raging.  From Ukraine, to Sudan, the Middle East and far beyond, war is creating a hellscape of destruction, destitution and fear.  Inequality and climate chaos are undermining the foundations of peace.  And hate whipped up online is spilling over onto the streets.Last month’s Summit of the Future offered hope.  Countries came together to lay the groundwork for a renewed multilateralism, equipped to support peace in a changing world.  That includes a renewed focus on the underlying causes of conflict -- from inequality to poverty and division.  Now we need countries to transform those commitments into reality.Gandhi believed non-violence was the greatest force available to humanity -- more powerful than any weapon.  Together, let’s build institutions to support that noble vision.[END]

Shipping is vital to keeping our economies and societies afloat.  It is the lifeblood of global supply chains, stretching across oceans, connecting goods and communities.  Today, the maritime sector is undergoing a profound transformation as it steers towards greater digitalization, automation and decarbonization.  New technologies and designs offer the opportunity to make important contributions to climate action. I count on the commitment of regulators, seafarers and ship operators alike.  As this year’s theme reminds us, safety must remain a priority. While conflicts rage around the globe, targeted attacks have turned key global shipping routes into danger zones, killing seafarers and threatening their well-being. Such attacks are totally unacceptable and must be rejected by all.  Safe navigation for the women and men who anchor this crucial industry must not be compromised.  On this World Maritime Day, let’s play our part to ensure a safe, sustainable and prosperous maritime sector for all humanity. [END]