Meaningful New Year 2020 messages from world leaders
World leaders have simultaneously sent meaningful New Year messages to their people and international friends.
In his New Year message to people around the world, United Nations Secretary-GeneralAntonio Guterres has called on the world to unite and join hands to deal with climate change, gender equality, social justice and human rights.
The UN Secretary-General said the world was entering 2020 surrounded by "uncertainty and insecurity", and expressed hope in the strength of young people around the world.
“From tackling climate change to gender equality, social justice and human rights, your generation is at the forefront and playing a key role. I am inspired by your passion and determination, and the United Nations and I will stand with you every step of the way,” the Secretary-General stressed.
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| United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Photo: OgeneAfrican |
The issue of combating climate change is also part of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's message to the people on the occasion of the New Year: "The Earth is warming - that's the truth. Our children and grandchildren will have to suffer the consequences of our actions today. Therefore, I am making every effort so that Germany can contribute ecologically, economically and socially to dealing with climate change."
As for French President Emmanuel Macron, in addition to mentioning how to solve the country's internal problems such as the controversy over the pension reform plan, he also mentioned his priorities in foreign policy, such as promoting democracy and freedom in Europe as well as promoting relations with the UK in the post-Brexit period.
“A Europe that is proud of its democratic model of association, freedom and solidarity. The UK’s exit from the European Union is a challenge. I will try to maintain a “solid” relationship with the UK,” President Macron affirmed.
From Asia, in a message posted on social media on New Year's Eve, South Korean President Moon Jae-in assured his people that his reform measures will bear fruit in the coming year.
The South Korean leader thanked the people of his country for their efforts to promote social justice based on “warm neighborly feelings.” President Moon Jae-in affirmed that he will make 2020 a year to “repay” the South Korean people.
Meanwhile, Emperor Naruhito, in his first New Year's greeting to his subjects, expressed his hope that 2020 would be a happy year, free of disasters. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged to push for reforms in a range of areas, from social security to the constitution, and expressed hope that the country would successfully host the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
Amid tensions with the US, in his New Year's message, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un warned of continuing to develop nuclear deterrence capabilities and introducing new strategic weapons in the near future. The North Korean leader affirmed that the country's nuclear deterrence capabilities will depend on the US's future attitude, while still leaving the door open for dialogue./.