UNSC calls for inspiration from Ramadan to build more peaceful, generous, just world

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Saturday for heeding the message of the holy month of Ramadan by bridging divides, extending a helping hand, giving hope to those suffering, and protecting human rights and dignity.

In his annual message on the occasion of the approaching holy month of Ramadan, published on the UN News website and accompanied by a photo of children in the Gaza Strip holding lanterns to celebrate the blessed month, Guterres said that Ramadan represents a sacred time for reflection and prayer for Muslims around the world.

He added: “Ramadan also represents a noble vision of hope and peace. However, this vision remains elusive for many members of our human family. From Afghanistan to Yemen, from Gaza to Sudan and beyond, people are suffering the horrors of conflict, hunger, displacement, discrimination, and other hardships.”

Guterres noted that every year, in a spirit of solidarity, he makes a special visit to a Muslim community to share in their fast, emphasizing that he returns each year with his heart “filled with the spirit of peace and compassion that permeates the month of Ramadan.”

He added: “May this blessed month inspire us to work together to build a more peaceful, generous, and just world for all people. Ramadan Kareem.”