Secretary-General: I am concluding a very meaningful and productive visit to Lebanon.  I have been profoundly moved by all I saw and heard.  Throughout my time here, I have sensed an atmosphere of opportunity. After one of the most difficult years in generations, Lebanon is on the cusp of a more hopeful future. A window has opened paving the way for a new era of institutional stability, a State fully able to protect its citizens, and a system that would allow the tremendous potential of the Lebanese people to flourish. We must do all we can to make this vision a reality.That was the focus of my meetings with President Joseph Aoun, caretaker-Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam and caretaker-Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib. With a head of state, and government, once formed, Lebanon will be placed to address the needs of its people and extend state authority throughout its territory.Of course, big challenges lie ahead. During my visit in the South yesterday, I saw firsthand the dramatic human impact and the utter level of destruction caused by the conflict. Hundreds of thousands of displaced residents have returned to southern Lebanon, southern Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and elsewhere.Many have found their homes and communities in ruin.The rebuilding needs are great. But they are not insurmountable.Working hand-in-hand with Lebanese authorities and partners, the United Nations will intensify our support for recovery and reconstruction across Lebanon.Many Israelis were also victims, with their lives upended by the conflict. I fervently hope all from both sides will soon be able to return to the areas where they lived and resume their daily lives.The cessation of hostilities is fragile, but it is holding.I call on both parties, and all those with influence, to ensure commitments are realized.The newly established mechanism should be used to address outstanding issues.I note that the Israel Defense Forces have commenced their phased withdrawal from Lebanese territory, while the Lebanese Armed Forces are deploying in greater numbers south of the Litani River.But we see continued demolitions of buildings and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, as well as fatal airstrikes.On the other hand, in the past 40 days alone, UNIFIL peacekeepers uncovered over a hundred unguarded weapons and ammunition caches, promptly sharing their locations with the Lebanese Armed Forces.Resolution 1701 is clear:  The area between the Blue Line and Litani River must be free of all armed personnel, assets and weapons -- other than those of the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL.I had the opportunity to visit with UNIFIL troops yesterday who are undertaking a vital mission. They carried out over 730 missions in close cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, facilitating their redeployment to more than 50 positions. UNIFIL has also facilitated 39 humanitarian missions -- in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Lebanese Red Cross, various UN entities, and NGOs. Our Peacekeepers are currently strengthening their capacities and adapting their conduct of operation, within their mandate.Despite continued challenges, critical milestones can be met with sufficient political will. Safety, security and freedom of movement of UNIFIL should be fully guaranteed.The parties have renewed their commitment to resolution 1701 as the framework for lasting peace.As I said, it is now essential to see the withdrawal of the Israel Defense forces from Lebanese territory and the simultaneous deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces across southern Lebanon in the agreed timeframe.Moreover, Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, and the Lebanese state must have full control of weapons throughout Lebanese territory. This is a central tenet of resolution 1701.It is therefore equally important to also look beyond the 60-day-period, in order to begin the work to – this time around – fully implement resolution 1701 in all its dimensions.I encourage the international community to strengthen their support to the Lebanese Armed Forces.The United Nations -- including through the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and UNIFIL -- is committed to supporting the parties uphold their obligations under resolution 1701 and ensuring that the cessation of hostilities holds. This would lay a platform for the full implementation of the resolution and its ultimate goal, a permanent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.I want to once again salute the women and men of UNIFIL who remained in position, at great risk to their safety and security.I also extend my profound thanks to the troop-contributing countries.  They were crucial in helping the parties find their way towards peace.I also want to thank and recognize the UN staff in Lebanon, for their courage and resilience, and continuing to deliver under at great personal risk under very difficult circumstances. Several made the ultimate sacrifice and many lost all they had.Finally, the situation in the region is evolving rapidly, with a deal on a ceasefire and release of hostages in Gaza, as well as developments in neighboring Syria.I want to commend the Government and people of Lebanon for their longstanding solidarity in hosting large numbers of Syrian and Palestine refugees.It is that spirit of solidarity that the world must show to the people of Lebanon. The road ahead is filled with promise but also great tests.  These include reforms and efforts for greater accountability.As the Lebanese people travel this road together, the United Nations is proud to stand with you. Let’s make the most of this atmosphere of opportunity.Thank you.***QUESTION AND ANSWERS:  Question: Mr. Secretary-General, Mohamed Farhat, Al-Jadeed TV, Lebanon.Throughout the past month, we were seeing the Israeli attacks on the UN positions and peacekeepers throughout southern Lebanon. Will we see any international movement to condemn Israel for these attacks? And throughout the past 55 days or 53 days, Israel was violating the ceasefire agreement that happened throughout southern Lebanon, and also in some places, not only on the borders. How can you describe these violations? Thank you.Secretary-General: I visited yesterday one of the installations of the UNIFIL that had been shot at, that had also been victim of different other forms of attack that destroyed parts of their walls. And all those attacks to UNIFIL were strongly condemned by ourselves and by the international community. It is absolutely essential to safeguard the security of UNIFIL personnel. On the other hand, all other violations of the agreement that was established for the cessation of hostilities, all those violations must also be clearly condemned.Question: Diana Skaini, An-Nahar. So, I will do it in Arabic. I have two questions:[translated from Arabic] Soon the deal on the ceasefire in Gaza will be in effect, and I would like to ask you about the next day. What will happen while the humanitarian disaster is going on, and we would like to know what you think about this?The second question, ae there any guarantees for the ceasefire in Lebanon to hold? There are complications, there are different interpretations of resolution 1701 and Hezbollah says that it is recovering its strength. What are the guarantees?Secretary-General: First, I must say that, I have been, since the first day, asking for a ceasefire in Gaza, and for the unconditional release of the hostages, and for open access for humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza.It is my strong belief that tomorrow we will start with these three objectives, that there will be no more fighting, that humanitarian aid will start to have a facilitated access to Gaza, and that the hostages will start to be released.For the second question, I am totally convinced that the agreement that was established will be respected. I am totally convinced that the Israeli forces will leave Lebanon as foreseen, and that the Lebanese armed forces, with the support of UNIFIL, will assume full control of the area South of the Litani River, and I do not see any reason for this not to happen.And the best guarantee is that I am entirely convinced that the whole of the international community will not forgive any violation of this agreement. Everybody wants peace in Lebanon, and nobody would accept the war to start again in Lebanon.Question: Carmen Jokhadar, Al Jazeera. So, I have two questions.The first one, did you ever receive any information, or have you been informed from the Israelis that the ceasefire will happen on the 26th [of January] at 4 a.m., and that they will withdraw fully from the South of Lebanon? Did they inform you officially about that?The second question is related to the UNRWA. You know, after the Israeli legislations and decisions related to this organization, what would be the fate of this organization, and how it will impact all the Palestinians benefitting from the services of this organization? Thank you.Secretary-General: First of all, I have not received directly any information about Israel, but Israel has signed agreements, and these agreements are clear commitments that must be respected.Second, UNRWA will, in all circumstances, continue to operate in Lebanon, in Jordan, and in Syria. And it is not yet entirely clear what is the interpretation of the legislation that was adopted.For the moment, UNRWA is still operating in Gaza and in the West Bank, and we do not intend to stop our operations unless they are stopped by Israel.Question: [translated from Arabic] Ahmad Sengab, Cairo News TV. I have two questions.The first one is related to UNIFIL. Will there be any increase in the troops numbers in order to maintain the safety and security in Lebanon and to ensure that the ceasefire is respected?Secretary-General: There is no intention to increase the number of troops. There is, yes, an intention to increase the capabilities of the force. The problem is not the number of soldiers, the problem is the kind of equipment that is essential from the point of view of the monitoring that UNIFIL must do. So, what is planned is an increase of capabilities, but also an adaptation of the action of UNIFIL to make it even more effective in the exercise of its mandate.Translator: The second question is related to Gaza Strip. Is there any mechanism to ensure that humanitarian assistance will be delivered once the ceasefire is acted upon? Will there be any mechanism to ensure that humanitarian assistance will be allowed into Gaza?Secretary-General: Into Gaza, yes. The agreement is clear. There won't be any impediments by Israel for humanitarian aid to enter in Gaza. That doesn't mean that it is easy, the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza. We have gangs looting systematically the convoys. We have other obstacles that have to do with the total degradation of Gaza and its infrastructure. We have a limited number of trucks at the present moment in Gaza. So, a lot of actions are necessary in order to make the distribution fully effective, distribution by the UN, distribution by its partners, distribution by the private sector, and distribution by other initiatives. It is clear that there is an obligation by Israel of not creating any obstacles. It is clear that the situation in Gaza is still extremely complex, and a lot of difficulties still remain for an effective distribution.Question: [translated from Arabic] Mohamed Bouri, Cairo 24. Mr. Secretary-General, yesterday you mentioned that weapons caches were found and that these were military equipment which are not for UNIFIL or the government, and you also mentioned that the presence of such equipment and material is a violation of Resolution 1701, especially between the Blue Line and South Litani. So, is it only about South Litani or also North Litani?Secretary-General: What we are discussing now in this operation that we are making is an operation that takes place in the southern part of Lebanon, but the principle that we have affirmed as an essential principle is that the monopoly of the use of force within a state must belong to the government of the state and to the army of the state, and that is the principle that should be applied everywhere.Translator: The other question, the disarmament of troops that are not related to the government, is it the government's affair or UNIFIL's affair?Secretary-General: UNIFIL informs the Lebanese army of the existence of these arms [weapons] and the Lebanese army makes the collection of these equipment.Thank you.[END]

Dear Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz and the mission leadership, Dear Team UNIFIL, It is such an honour to be with you after one of the most challenging periods imaginable. I told the world that all of you are not just on the Blue Line of Lebanon, you are on the front line of peace. The UNIFIL mission is the most challenging environment for peacekeepers anywhere.  Day after day – month after month – you stood with bravery, dedication, and resilience in the face of strikes across the Blue Line. And your continued service -- in line with the decision for peacekeepers to remain in position to implement your mandate under resolution 1701 – was essential and remarkable. You showed the value of ‘blue helmets’ to deter violence, support de-escalation, provide humanitarian access, and protect civilians. Your contributions have been crucial in supporting the restoration of stability in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line. I am so proud of you all. I want you to know that the decision for UNIFIL to remain in position was taken after deep consideration for the safety and security of all its members, I have been crystal clear: all parties have an obligation to ensure the safety of our personnel. The inviolability of UN premises must be respected, at all times. Attacks against UN peacekeepers are completely unacceptable. They are in breach of international law, against international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime. Now, thanks in no small part to your efforts, we are in a period of relative calm that needs to be nurtured.  This represents a long-awaited opportunity to support the parties make real progress towards fully implementing resolution 1701 and delivering enduring security and stability for the people of Lebanon and Israel. You have our full support in making the adjustments that may be needed in this new stage. We will continue to work closely with troop-contributing-countries to ensure you have strengthened capacities -- including for clearing mines and disposing of unexploded ordnance -- so that you can resume mandated patrolling and monitoring functions. I know these capacities, together with the adaptation of the conduct of operations within your mandate, are vital for the mission to regain freedom of movement and access throughout the mission’s area of operations. I will underscore these messages in my meetings with the Lebanese leadership this afternoon. The continued occupation by the Israel Defense Forces inside the UNIFIL area operations and the conduct of military operations in Lebanese territory are violations of resolution 1701 and pose continued risk to your safety and security.They must stop. I note that that UNIFIL also uncovered over a 100 weapons caches belonging to Hezbollah or other armed groups since 27 November. The presence of armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and of UNIFIL between the Blue Line and Litani River are also clear violations of resolution 1701 and undermine Lebanon’s stability.  I will also reiterate this in my meetings in Beirut. The Lebanese Armed Forces, as the sole guarantor of Lebanon’s security, are deploying in greater numbers to southern Lebanon, including with the assistance of UNIFIL as well as the members of the mechanism established under the cessation of hostilities. Your strong support for, and your closer coordination with, the Lebanese Armed Forces will be fundamental in supporting an enduring cessation of hostilities and realizing the ultimate goal of resolution 1701. We will continue to urge the international community to strengthen support to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The path ahead is full of challenge. But together we can help make good on this window of opportunity. Once again, thank you for all you have done – and all you are doing – for peace.[END]

Let me begin by wishing you and your families a very happy and healthy 2025.  Let’s start with the good news.It is understandable to get overwhelmed by the turmoil of our world.  But, as we look to the year ahead, we must never lose sight of progress and potential. And there are signs of hope.Negotiators are in the final stages of a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza.  Meanwhile, the ceasefire in Lebanon is largely holding -- and the country was finally able to elect a president after over two years of stalemate.On the climate front, the world now invests almost twice as much in clean energy as it does in fossil fuels.  And almost everywhere, solar and wind are now the cheapest sources of new electricity -- and the fastest growing in history.In much of the world, girls have achieved parity in education. More children are surviving today than ever before.  HIV infections continue to dramatically decline, along with malaria mortality rates.We have seen meaningful new steps to reduce child marriage, protect our oceans and expand Internet access.  And we begin 2025 lifted by the commitments of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.These measures are an affirmation of the power and purpose of our United Nations in our eightieth anniversary year.  Through thick and thin, the world has come together through the United Nations to tackle some of the most intractable problems.Easing tensions.  Forging and keeping peace.  Setting bold goals to fight poverty, hunger, inequality and climate change.  Seeking accountability for violations of international law, including international human rights law.  Delivering lifesaving aid in the most desperate places on earth.From day one, the United Nations has represented the global conscience.  In a world seemingly hellbent on destruction, our organization has been a force of construction.  And, every day, we continue to strengthen how we work and deliver.  From bolstering the UN development system on the ground, to achieving gender parity at the highest levels.We remain restless for reform -- striving to be more effective and cost-effective; simplifying procedures and decentralizing decisions; enhancing transparency and accountability; and shifting resources to invest in data, digital, innovation, strategic foresight and behavioural science through our UN 2.0 initiative.The United Nations reflects a key truth:  global problems demand global solutions.  The more the UN does together to address big challenges around the world, the less the burden on individual countries to do it alone.  This spirit of hope rooted in action must propel us forward.Yes, there is progress in our tumultuous world.  But let’s have no illusions:  this is very much a world in turmoil and grave uncertainty. Our actions -- or inactions -- have unleashed a modern-day Pandora’s box of ills.Four of those ills stand out because they represent, at best, threats that could disrupt every aspect of our agenda and, at worst, upend our very existence:  Runaway conflicts. Rampant inequalities.  The raging climate crisis.  And out-of-control technology.The good news is that we have the plans to tackle these challenges.  We don’t need to reinvent the wheel.  We need to get the wheel moving.  Through acceleration and transformation -- oriented around the Pact for the Future, the implementation of which will be a central priority in 2025.Let’s start with peace.  Conflicts are multiplying, becoming messier and deadlier.  Deepening geopolitical divisions and mistrust are adding fuel to the fire.  The nuclear threat is at its highest in decades.  The spectrum of human rights is under constant attack.Impunity is endemic -- with serial violations of international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter -- and systematic assaults on our very institutions.In Gaza, we have been relentless in calling for an immediate ceasefire.  The immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.  And immediate action to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of life-saving aid.I want to once again salute the backbone of the humanitarian response, our colleagues in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).Of course, nothing can justify the terror attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023.  And nothing can justify the dramatic levels of death and destruction inflicted on the Palestinian people.For months, there has been no ceiling to the suffering and no bottom to the horrors.  I strongly appeal to all parties to finalize a ceasefire and hostage release deal sooner rather than later.  Across the region, we are seeing a reshaping of the Middle East.  What is far less clear is what will emerge.In Israel and Palestine, will we see irreversible action towards a two-State solution, in line with UN resolutions, international law and previous agreements -- as we have constantly advocated?  Or will we instead see steady annexation by Israel, the denial of the Palestinian people’s rights and dignity, and the destruction of any chance of sustainable peace?In Syria, after years of bloodshed, will we see a country that can finally be a beacon of different faiths, traditions and communities shaping an inclusive, free and peaceful future -- as we continue to do everything to support?  Or will we see fragmentation, along with the trampling of rights of minorities and women and girls?In Iran, will we see concrete actions to ensure a clear renunciation of any nuclear weapons programme, and contributions to a new regional security framework where the sovereignty of every State is respected -- allowing for the full integration of Iran into the global economy?  This is what we hope will become possible.  Or will we see escalations with unpredictable consequences?Throughout the region, we must deny extremists a veto over a peaceful future.  Tonight, I am leaving for Lebanon on a visit of solidarity with the Lebanese people and our peacekeeping forces.A window has opened for a new era of institutional stability, with a State fully able to protect its citizens, and a system that would allow the tremendous potential of the Lebanese people to flourish.  We will do everything to help keep that window open wide -- a window that will allow both Lebanese and Israelis to live in security. There is a world of pain beyond the Middle East.In Ukraine, the war is on the verge of its fourth year. We must spare no effort for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.In Sudan, the warring parties have triggered widespread bloodshed, the world’s largest displacement crisis and famine.  We are engaging all parties to protect civilians, de-escalate the conflict and find a path to peace.In the Sahel, we are working with partners for a renewed dialogue to strengthen regional cooperation and address common threats especially terror and violent extremism.In Haiti, armed criminal gangs continue to run rampant. At the very least, we must ensure that the Multinational Security Support Mission receives sustainable and predictable funding.Just as we must for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.From Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Yemen and far beyond, we must keep working for peace.  This is the raison d’être of the United Nations.And that includes advancing the Pact for the Future’s commitments:  prioritizing conflict-prevention, mediation, conflict resolution and peacebuilding; continuing to strengthen peacekeeping; the meaningful inclusion of women in political and peace processes; the first multilateral agreement on nuclear disarmament in more than a decade; new strategies to end the use of chemical and biological weapons; vital efforts to prevent an arms race in outer space and advance discussions on the use of lethal autonomous weapons; and an updated understanding of the impact of today’s arms race on sustainable development, the full programme coming from the Pact.Inequalities are also spreading from the modern-day Pandora’s box.  Vast inequalities are an unmistakable signal that something is deeply wrong with our social, economic, political and financial systems.Inequalities can be beaten -- if we commit to policies that promote equity rather than clinging to the same failed approaches.  We must do so on several fronts.It starts by accelerating action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Five years to 2030, less than one fifth of the targets are on course -- aggravated by a $4 trillion annual financing gap.Acceleration means focusing on high-impact areas like poverty eradication, food security, quality education for all, social protection, universal health coverage, energy access, digitalization and reducing climate impacts. And we must place a particular focus on the needs of Africa.Finance is essential.  The Pact for the Future includes clear support for an SDG Stimulus to help close the financing gap.It calls on donors to meet official development assistance (ODA) commitments and for the private sector to invest in sustainable development.  And it advocates strong social protection systems, trade that is open and serves as a ladder for countries to grow and develop, and taxation that delivers fairness and broad-based prosperity.We must also fight inequalities by reforming and modernizing the institutions of global finance to represent today’s economy -- not that of 1945.  Developing countries must be represented fairly in the governance of the very institutions they depend on.We must strengthen the global safety net -- and substantially increase the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, making them bigger and bolder.  And we must ensure concessional finance is deployed where it is most needed, taking into account vulnerability and not only gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.  We will step up our calls for meaningful action to help countries in or near debt distress, so that they have more fiscal space to invest in the SDGs.At the same time, we must strengthen and improve the sovereign debt architecture to enable countries to borrow with confidence, as the 2030 Agenda demands.  I have appointed an expert group to identify practical steps to break out of the morass and galvanize support for action on debt.We have critical opportunities this year to achieve breakthroughs on the SDGs.  From the Conference on Financing for Development, to the World Summit for Social Development, to the G20 Summit under the Presidency of South Africa, to the thirtieth Conference of the Parties in Brazil, to the UN Ocean Conference, to Beijing Plus-30.Which leads me to another core way we must fight inequalities -- by expanding opportunities for women and girls.  The Pact for the Future calls for all countries to achieve full gender equality.  By removing all legal, social and economic barriers.  By targeted and accelerated action to end all forms of violence and harassment against women and girls, including sexual and gender-based violence. By accelerating investments to close the gender pay gap, including in the care economy.  And by ensuring equal participation and leadership opportunities -- from the boardroom, to the halls of political power, to the green and digital economies.  And we must fight inequalities by standing with young people, everywhere.The Declaration on Future Generations commits to strengthen the participation of young people in decision-making at the national and global levels.  We are doing so through our newly established UN Youth Office which is now fully operational. And the Global Digital Compact calls on nations to champion young innovators, nurture entrepreneurial spirit and equip the next generation with digital literacy and skills.Inequalities are also fuelled by the scourge of discrimination and hate speech.  We must work to foster communities of belonging and end the spread of hatred and intolerance -- including antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry and discrimination against minority Christian communities.This is even more crucial as guardrails around social media platforms are being dismantled, allowing disinformation and hate speech to run rampant.  The Pandora’s box has also let loose the climate crisis that is ravaging and savaging our world.Look no further than the hills of Los Angeles.  It has gone from the home of disaster movies to a scene of disaster.  Who pays the price for climate destruction around the world?  Not the fossil fuel industry pocketing profits and taxpayer subsidies as their products wreak havoc.Everyday people suffer:  with their lives and livelihoods; with higher insurance premiums, volatile energy bills and higher food prices.  And particularly the most vulnerable, who have done the least to unleash this devastation.Before the Paris Agreement, we were on a pathway to over 4°C of temperature rise by the end of the century. It is true that we are slowly bending down the curve.  But every year since Paris has also been among the hottest ever -- and last year was the first to push past 1.5°C.At the same time, we have a huge opportunity before us. The renewables revolution is unstoppable and everyday people will benefit:  With lower costs of living and better health; energy security, energy sovereignty, good jobs and millions connected to cheap, accessible power.Ten years on from the Paris Agreement, 90 per cent of the world has now committed to net zero.  But, we must work much harder.  We need to shift our collective efforts into overdrive and deliver on the goals of the Paris Agreement.The math is clear: Global emissions must peak this year and rapidly decline thereafter if we are to have a sliver of a hope of limiting long-term global temperature rise to 1.5°C.This year, every country has pledged to submit new economy-wide national climate action plans -- or nationally determined contributions -- that align with 1.5°C.  These new plans represent a chance to embrace the opportunities of the clean energy era.  They must cover all sectors and all greenhouse gases.Together, they must cut emissions 60 per cent by 2035, compared to 2019 levels, with clear reduction targets for fossil fuel production and consumption.  And they must show how every country will contribute to the global goals agreed at COP28 -- on deforestation, and the energy transition.The G20 must lead, given the scale of their emissions.  All this must be achieved in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.  We recognize circumstances and capabilities that vary around the globe -- but we also recognize that all countries must do more. So will the United Nations. I am working closely with COP30 host, President Lula of Brazil to drive action.  And I am writing to leaders of the largest economies and emitters to encourage them to cooperate and seize this chance.  At the same time, the United Nations system is helping nearly 100 developing countries prepare their new national climate action plans.And we will convene a special event to take stock of the plans of all countries, push for action to keep 1.5°C within reach, and deliver climate justice.  I will also invite businesses, financial institutions, cities, regions and civil society to come with credible 1.5°C-aligned transition plans, in line with our Integrity Matters report.To those in business, finance and beyond who remain committed to credible climate action, despite all the pressures we are seeing, I say: You are on the right side of history. Keep it up.And to Governments, I say:  Get behind them.  Provide the policy and regulatory certainty business needs.  Address barriers to action.  Incentivize the green transition.  And accelerate the shift from voluntary pledges to mandatory rules.  The battle for 1.5°C cannot be won without a fast, fair and funded fossil-fuel phase-out worldwide.Today, Governments around the globe spend nine times more to make fossil fuels cheaper than they do on making clean energy more affordable for consumers.  And barriers -- such as high capital costs -- are preventing countries from reaping the benefits of the renewables revolution.  We must tear down these walls.  And deliver on climate finance across the board -- including through international financial architecture reform.The COP29 agreement on finance must be implemented in full.  The United Nations will help mobilize support for just energy transitions.  We will help drive the implementation of carbon pricing and the wind-down of fossil fuel subsidies.  And we will support the leadership of the COP29 and COP30 presidencies to deliver a credible road map to mobilize $1.3 trillion a year as agreed, needed to support climate action in the developing world.It is time to start implementing new and innovative sources of finance, including holding polluters accountable for the damage they have caused. Developed countries must make good on their promise to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year this year.  We must implement the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All Initiative.At the same time, we need a transformation in the world’s approach to loss and damage -- with a major boost to the new Fund.  Let’s be clear.  To put it in perspective, the amount pledged to date is less than the recent contract signed by one baseball player in New York City.Finally, technology is also racing out of the Pandora’s box.  Of course, the technological revolution offers unprecedented opportunities.  But it also demands careful stewardship.  We have a historic responsibility to make sure this revolution benefits humanity, not just a privileged few.  The Global Digital Compact provides a road map for translating aspirations into action -- with a particular focus on artificial intelligence.The United Nations must act – rapidly and decisively -- in three ways:  First, everyone must have equal access to the latest artificial intelligence (AI) knowledge and insights.  The Compact calls for an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.By pooling expertise across regions and disciplines, this Panel would help bridge knowledge gaps and help every nation make the most informed AI policy decisions.  The Panel has the potential to become the go-to resource, offering clear and impartial analysis of AI capabilities, opportunities and potential risks.  I urge the General Assembly to establish the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI without delay.Second, we must foster AI governance that protects human rights while promoting innovation.  The world needs AI that is ethical, safe and secure.  The Compact calls for a Global Dialogue on AI Governance:An inclusive space for stakeholders to come together, under the auspices of the UN, to develop and coordinate policies, share best practices and ensure interoperability.  This would build on existing global initiatives.Through this Dialogue, we can advance international guardrails that uphold human rights, prevent misuse, and encourage responsible innovation.  We can tackle emerging challenges -- from algorithmic bias to data privacy concerns. And we can foster fair access to AI benchmarks and governance tools, ensuring low-income countries their rightful voice in establishing governance standards.I urge the General Assembly to initiate the process for the Dialogue to begin this year and continue on a regular basis.  And I look forward to working with Spain and Costa Rica, as co-facilitators, to deliver on these efforts and the Compact’s wider vision on AI governance.Third, we must support developing countries in leveraging AI for sustainable development.  AI can help reduce poverty, improve healthcare and education, accelerate scientific discovery and drive sustainable growth.  But, that requires bridging the global AI divide that is now growing.I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help the Global South harness AI for the greater good.  To advance all these goals, a new United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies will support Member States, facilitating coordination and action across the UN system and existing mechanisms.I thank the General Assembly for establishing the Office and I urge you to resource it fully.  Humanity’s hand must be firmly in control of technology.  As AI reshapes our world, every nation must help shape AI. Together, let’s ensure artificial intelligence serves its highest purpose: Advancing human progress, equality and dignity.These are the ills from the modern-day Pandora’s box that we must address as a matter of priority:  conflict, inequalities, the climate crisis and the perils of unchecked technology.But I will conclude with this.  There is more to the myth of Pandora than most people know.  A close reading of the ancient poem reveals that after the horrors escaped, Pandora noticed one thing left inside the box. As the poet wrote: “Only Hope remained there.”There is a lesson in this for our times.  We must never lose sight of hope.  And we must work to lift the lid on that hope through action.  To make it real.  To help it spread.  Sticking to principles.  Speaking the truth.  Never giving up.In our eightieth year, let’s build the more peaceful, just and prosperous world that we know -- despite everything -- knowing that it is within reach.[END]

I welcome the announcement of a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.I commend the mediators -- Egypt, Qatar and the United States of America -- for their dedicated efforts in brokering this deal.  Their unwavering commitment to finding a diplomatic solution has been critical in achieving this breakthrough.  I call on all relevant parties to uphold their commitments and ensure that this deal is fully implemented.From the outset of the violence, I have called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.Our priority must be to ease the tremendous suffering caused by this conflict.  The United Nations stands ready to support the implementation of this deal and scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer.  It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid across Gaza so that we can support a major increase in urgent life-saving humanitarian support.  The humanitarian situation is at catastrophic levels.I call on all parties to facilitate the rapid, unhindered and safe humanitarian relief for all civilians in need.  From our side, we will do whatever is humanly possible, aware of the serious challenges and constraints that we will be facing.  We expect our efforts to be matched by other humanitarian actors, the private sector and bilateral initiatives.This deal is a critical first step, but we must mobilize all efforts to also advance broader goals, including the preservation of the unity, contiguity and integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  Palestinian unity is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability, and I emphasize that unified Palestinian governance must remain a top priority.I urge the parties and all relevant partners to seize this opportunity to establish a credible political path to a better future for Palestinians, Israelis, and the broader region.  Ending the occupation and achieving a negotiated two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions and previous agreements remain an urgent priority.  Only through a viable two-State solution can the aspirations of both peoples be fulfilled.I pay tribute to the civilians who have lost their lives, including UN personnel and humanitarian workers.The United Nations is steadfast in its commitment to supporting all efforts that promote peace, stability, and a more hopeful future for the people of Palestine and Israel, and across the region.[END]