UN Chief Emphasizes Diplomacy as Conflicts Escalate Globally
New York, NY – July 22, 2025 – In an urgent address to the global community, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres declared “Peace is a choice” and implored nations to prioritize diplomacy as a means to de-escalate escalating conflicts, which are increasingly spreading from the Middle East to Eastern Europe. The stark warning comes as the world grapples with a disturbing proliferation of wars and heightened geopolitical tensions.
Speaking to reporters at UN Headquarters, Secretary-General Guterres highlighted the dire consequences of unchecked aggression and the critical need for renewed commitment to peaceful resolution. “We are witnessing a dangerous trend of conflicts spilling over borders and intensifying, impacting countless lives and destabilizing entire regions,” he stated, his voice resonating with concern. “In this critical moment, we must remember that peace is not a passive state; it is an active choice that requires courage, commitment, and concerted action from all of us.”
The Secretary-General specifically referenced the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which continues to inflict immense suffering on civilians and has created a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale. He reiterated the UN’s unwavering call for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and a renewed push for a just and lasting solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
Furthermore, Guterres expressed deep alarm over the protracted war in Ukraine, noting its far-reaching implications for global security, food and energy markets, and international law. He underscored the importance of upholding the principles of the UN Charter, particularly the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states, and stressed that diplomatic pathways, however challenging, remain the only viable route to a peaceful and sustainable end to hostilities.
The UN chief stressed that the interconnectedness of today’s world means that conflicts in one region can have ripple effects across the globe. He urged world leaders to look beyond immediate self-interest and to recognize their shared responsibility in fostering a more peaceful and secure international environment.
“Diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiation are not signs of weakness, but rather the hallmarks of strong leadership and a genuine commitment to a better future,” Guterres emphasized. He called upon all parties to conflict to engage in good-faith negotiations, to respect international humanitarian law, and to protect civilians.
The Secretary-General also highlighted the crucial role of multilateralism and the United Nations in facilitating these diplomatic efforts. He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to providing platforms for dialogue, supporting mediation initiatives, and working tirelessly to prevent further escalation and to build bridges of understanding between nations.
“The path to peace is rarely easy, but it is always the most rewarding,” Guterres concluded. “Let us choose peace. Let us choose diplomacy. Let us choose to build a world where dialogue prevails over destruction, and where cooperation triumphs over confrontation.”
The Secretary-General’s appeal serves as a vital reminder to the international community of the immense challenges ahead and the imperative to collectively pursue the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether the world can heed this urgent call for diplomacy and choose the path of peace.
‘Peace is a choice’: UN chief urges diplomacy as wars spread from Gaza to Ukraine
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