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“We are determined to do our best to correct it and this is the reason of my visit”, Secretary-General António Guterres said at a joint press conference, with the Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness.

Mr. Guterres also said they had discussed the “tragic situation” in Haiti, that was one of the biggest political challenges facing the whole Caribbean region, praising Jamaica’s involvement in seeking urgent solutions to the crisis there, along with the regional intergovernmental bloc of 15 Member States, CARICOM.

Peaceful invasion

He paid tribute to Jamaica’s ability “to invade peacefully the whole world, with its culture, its music, and its art” over recent decades, proving that diversity in the post-colonial era, can be a “richness, not a threat”, as long as the right policies are adopted.

“We are today facing - when we look at the present international financial architecture - a moral problem, a power problem, and a practical problem”, said the UN chief.

On the moral dimension, he reminded that COVID-19 vaccine development, distribution and recovery, had been dominated by the richer countries, who could print money, while developing countries could not.

He recalled the huge global liquidity problem where skewed international rules meant that injustices were institutionalized, with the least developed countries left to the mercy of borrowing and debt mechanisms, that are outdated and unfair.

Climate frontline

“Small island developing states in particular, have a high level of vulnerability because of the structure of their economies because of their geographic location, their size and because of the enormous impact they suffer in relation to climate change.”

Secondly, he pointed to the old power structures created as World War Two came to an end, at Breton Woods, when countries like Jamaica were still British colonies, without a voice, along with much of Africa.

“And obviously, the structure of what was created, with smaller limitations during the last decades, reflects the power relations that existed after the Second World War. They are outdated and so, the system is unfair and dysfunctional. The system needs reform, to adapt it to the realities of today's global economy.”

And now, he added, there are numerous practical challenges to sustainable and fair development:

“And much more can be done in relation to a better link between climate and finance and the stronger support to adaptation in particular, and in particular, in small island developing states.

UN Photo/Jermaine Duncan

Secretary-General Antónió Guterres (3rd left) admires the vibrant artwork on display at the Art Walk, Water Lane in downtown Kingston during his official visit to Jamaica.

Fixing a broken system

A lot more can be done in multiplying the effect of the work of multilateral development banks, if they change their business model - a new approach to risk - and they are able to use their resources to leverage massive access to private finance at reasonable costs for developing countries.”

The UN chief said he would be addressing the G7 this week and the G20, when it next meets, “and insist” that these moral, power and practical dimensions, are properly addressed.

He described Mr. Holness and as champion, “in relation to climate action, and a champion in relation to an effective reformed multilateral financial architecture in the world.”

Salvaging a future for Haiti

On Haiti, Mr. Guterres said the multiple crises of gang violence, a paralyzed political system, humanitarian suffering, and rampant insecurity, demand “a much stronger commitment by the international community.”

He reminded of his proposal to the Security Council, which has not yet been taken up, for “an international robust police force to crack down on the gangs, and in parallel with a political process, to create the conditions for a team to be able to address its dramatic situation.”

Jamaica had committed to the idea rapidly, he said, and along with CARICOM, is invested in trying to bring Haiti’s stakeholders together, to find a way forward.

“I want to express my full support to the initiatives of Jamaica and CARICOM. And I want to once again, ask the international community to understand that an effective solidarity with Haiti is not only a matter of generosity, it is essentially a matter of enlightened self-interest. Because the present situation in Haiti reflects a threat to the security of the whole region and further afield.”

The values of human dignity and freedom, enshrined in the UN’s founding Charter in 1945, have never been so under threat, warned the Secretary-General on Tuesday, delivering a wide-ranging speech in Spain after receiving the Carlos V European Award.

In response to the assault on the principles behind the United Nations, António Guterres said that the international community needed to raise the alarm, and “reaffirm those values.”

‘Elusive and fragile’

Above all, “we need peace” he told the audience gathered for the prestigious award championing multilateralism in Europe, at the Royal Monastery of Yuste, in Extremadura, noting that the UN and the European Union, were created in the name of peace amid the ashes of World War Two.

“Peace remains our North Star and our most precious goal. Yet the struggle for peace may seem at times like a Sisyphean task. We live in a world today in which peace is elusive and fragile.”

He said that violence had become rampant, in too many parts of the world, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a plain violation of the Charter, coming on the heels of the “economic dislocation” triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Wars and humanitarian crises are spreading, sometimes before our very eyes, but often far from the spotlight. They are more complex, and interconnected, and their impact is growing by the day.”

He said that the sudden explosion of violence across Sudan, was a reminder that peace can often fall apart “dramatically overnight” and should never be underestimated or taken for granted.

Working for peace

“We must work to make peace and to keep it, every day, tirelessly”, he added. “In a world that is tearing itself apart, we must heal divisions, prevent escalation and listen to grievances.”

Diplomacy must replace rule by the gun, centred around negotiation, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration. To do this, women need to play a full part, and have a leadership role in diplomacy, he urged.

He voiced concern also at the war against nature, reiterating his view that humanity’s very survival is now in danger, unless the pace of climate change can be slowed.

“Climate chaos is unleashing fires, floods, drought, like here in Spain, and other extreme weather events on every continent. Each year these events are uprooting millions of people who often have to seek refuge in countries and communities that are equally vulnerable.”

Likewise, he argued that taking action for the planet, was also action for peace itself: “And by the same token, reducing emissions, protecting our environment and helping affected communities is taking action for justice.”

Secretary-General António Guterres receives the Carlos V European Award from King Felipe VI for his extensive and long career dedicated to social commitment.

Peace through human rights

He also said that for peace to be sustainable, it needed to be based on respect for human rights, with widespread attacks mounting across the board.

“Hate speech, the polarization, racism and xenophobia, are spreading at the speed of a mouse click. We must look back and learn from our past.”

He said that with new dangers looming daily, “the struggle for these rights is now more crucial than ever”, and it was time now to “defend our common humanity.”

Bridge building

“Today more than ever, in our divided world, building bridges is the only option”, declared the Secretary-General. “We must work together to build sustainable, inclusive societies and economies, based on human rights and dignity.

If we join forces, there is hope - UN Secretary-General

“This is what continues to motivate the efforts of the United Nations, day in and day out, in each of the countries in which we work. If we join forces, there is hope.”

That hope was embodied by campaigners for peace across the world, who sometimes risk their lives, for change, and demands for accountability.

It is embodied in the younger generation, and civil society, seeking to build community, with a focus on national justice and equality.

He also pointed to the “everyday heroes of humanitarian action” who were striving to deliver vital aid worldwide, pledging to give part of the Carlos V European Award to a scholarship fund for students specialising in migration, refugees and human rights.

On this Europe Day, he concluded, “let us reaffirm the ideals of peace, justice and international cooperation. And together, let us tirelessly defend human dignity and human rights, dialogue and mutual respect.”