United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres spoke at the opening of the 10th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in Cascais, Portugal, where he highlighted that “in every corner of the world, we see the social fabric under serious strain”. The escalation of conflicts, the increase in social tensions and the spread of hate speech are just some of the manifestations of this crisis of confidence that affects human and international relations, said Guterres in front of 1,800 participants of the Forum, including the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and the King of Spain, Felipe VI.
In his speech, the UN Chief called for collective action to restore peace, solidarity and trust in the multilateral system.
Crisis of confidence
According to Guterres, “the absence of peace is leading to an erosion of trust” in international institutions and societies. Trust has become an increasingly scarce resource in a globalised world, where information circulates with unprecedented speed through social networks. Hate speech, amplified by digital platforms, undermines relationships between people and communities, exacerbating divisions and creating a sense of insecurity.
The growing xenophobia, racism and intolerance fueled by disinformation are, according to Guterres, “old tactics with a new medium”. The Secretary-General emphasised the role of social networks in spreading stereotypes and hate speech and highlighted the importance of effective regulation to combat this digital epidemic. The Portuguese diplomat suggests, among other solutions, the implementation of initiatives such as the “United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity”, which aim to guarantee a more ethical information ecosystem that respects human rights.
Peace and lasting solutions
The path to rebuilding trust begins with the search for peace. Guterres appealed for peace, highlighting emblematic conflicts, such as Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan. His vision for peace is clear: a just peace based on the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the resolutions of the General Assembly. This search for peace, however, is not limited to resolving armed conflicts; it also involves creating an environment of dialogue, respect, and reconciliation between different peoples and cultures.
Regarding the conflict in Gaza, for example, Guterres repeated his call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and the beginning of a process that leads to a two-state solution as a step towards lasting peace. His vision is clear: peace is essential for rebuilding trust; without it, destruction and mistrust will continue to prevail.
Communities and Diversity
The Secretary-General also highlighted the importance of communities in building a stronger and more resilient social fabric. Creating “communities of trust and belonging” is seen as a foundation for more peaceful and just societies. These communities cannot be built by governments or institutions alone. They must involve grassroots organisations, marginalised communities, local authorities, and religious leaders. According to Guterres, the role of women and young people needs to be highlighted, as they are drivers of positive social change.
Furthermore, Guterres stressed that cultural diversity is a “richness and our greatest strength, not a threat.” In an increasingly multicultural and multiethnic world, respecting and promoting diversity is fundamental to generating trust in societies. Initiatives that promote inclusion, such as the Alliance of Civilizations’ “PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival“, are examples of how the media and new generations can play a vital role in building more inclusive narratives, especially on issues such as migration.
Reforms of Multilateral Institutions
In addition to actions at local and community levels, Guterres recalled the need for reforms in the multilateral system, which has proven incapable of dealing with the complexities of the contemporary world. The UN Security Council, for example, is described as “outdated and frequently paralysed”, which compromises the UN’s ability to act effectively in the face of global crises. The international financial architecture, in turn, does not reflect the current economic reality and is often “inadequate and unfair”.
For Guterres, the “Pact for the Future”, adopted in September 2024, attempts to update international governance, making it more fair, inclusive and interconnected. This pact emphasises the importance of updating multilateral institutions so that they can face the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world.
Unity in Diversity
António Guterres’ address offered a profound reflection on the challenges faced by the world today and the actions necessary to overcome them. In times of increasing polarisation and division, the UN leader called for unity in diversity, highlighting that “we are more united by our common destiny than divided by our distinct identities.“ Solidarity, peace and trust are the foundations for a more just and peaceful future. It is essential that everyone, from world leaders to ordinary citizens, come together to rebuild a world in which human dignity and the rights of all are respected.
Rebuilding trust and promoting peace are not easy tasks, but, as António Guterres recalled, “one planet, one human family“ requires collective action based on mutual respect and solidarity. The Alliance of Civilizations, with its focus on intercultural dialogue and the promotion of peace, exemplifies how global initiatives can play a crucial role in addressing and improving this situation.
Additional links:
- 10th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
- Secretary-General’s remarks at the opening session of the 10th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Global Forum [bilingual as delivered]
