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LEARN MOREPosted: 4:05 p.m. EST Dec 31, 2017
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has a message for the world going into 2018: unity.
Last year, Guterres appealed for 2017 "to be a year for peace," but says it was basically the opposite. This year he's ramping up his message's urgency factor.
"On New Year's Day 2018, I am not issuing an appeal. I am issuing an alert — a red alert for our world," he said in a video message.
He expressed the need to "settle conflicts, overcome hatred and defend shared values," saying the world's future depends on its people working together.
2017 has been a turbulent year.
Guterres cited increased concern over nuclear weapons, climate change impacts, a rise of nationalism and xenophobia, and "horrific" human rights violations.
But, ending on a less bleak note, Guterres sent his well wishes, and he did so in a way symbolic of unified efforts.
"I wish you peace and health in 2018. Thank you. Shokran. Xie Xie. Merci. Spasiba. Gracias. Obrigado," Guterres said.
