Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns that curtailments to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting energy, transport, manufacturing and food systems. He outlines scenarios that could raise inflation, cut growth and increase poverty and hunger.
Mudavadi expressed concern that the Secretary-General’s report, referenced as A/80/644, failed to accurately reflect the findings of investigations into allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse involving Kenyan personnel deployed to Haiti.
Secretary-General, António Guterres, the UN said the pause in fighting offers an opportunity to protect civilian lives and reduce suffering in areas affected by the ongoing conflict
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used the occasion on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to remember the victims and acknowledge the resilience of survivors, while pointing to the lessons the world must draw from one of the most tragic events in modern history.
In a post on X on Thursday, he highlighted the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a particular concern, noting it is “choking the movement of oil, gas & fertilizer at a critical moment in the global planting season.”
The World Meteorological Organization’s 2025 climate report findsIn its State of the Global Climate 2025 report released March 23,2026, the agency confirmed that the period between 2015 and 2025 represents the hottest 11 years on record. It noted that 2025 ranked among the top three warmest years, with global temperatures about 1.43°C above pre-industrial levels. 2015–2025 were the hottest years on record, with record ocean heat, rising seas and escalating health, food and migration risks.
The Secretary-General’s warnings come amid escalating unrest across the Middle East, where fears of a wider confrontation are growing. He noted the actions already taken by the United Nations Security Council, including directives to cease hostilities and ensure that critical maritime routes remain open.
The annual observance on March 15 was established by the United Nations General Assembly to highlight the importance of respect for religious diversity and human rights and to counter discrimination and hatred against Muslims.
The warning comes as the U.N.’s funding structure shows increasing strain. The United States, which provides 22 percent of the core budget, has reduced voluntary payments to agencies and delayed mandatory contributions to the regular and peacekeeping budgets.
The UN chief’s appeal comes as clashes in Jonglei disrupt local communities and hinder aid operations.
According to the UN statement, Salih was instrumental in Iraq’s reconstruction and economic recovery following the 2003 conflict. His experience in governance and diplomacy is expected to guide his leadership at the UN Refugee Agency.
Guterres said journalists continue to face escalating dangers, including verbal abuse, legal intimidation, physical attacks, imprisonment, torture and even death, in their efforts to report the truth.