UNITED NATIONS, December 28. /TASS/. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has issued a video message that calls for making 2024 a year of rebuilding trust and restoring hope.

The year "2023 has been a year of enormous suffering, violence and climate chaos. Humanity is in pain. Our planet is in peril," he said. "Wars are growing in number and ferocity. And trust in in short supply."

"But pointing fingers and pointing guns lead nowhere," the official continued. The year "2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope. We must come together across divides for shared solutions," he said.

The secretary general said 2023 was the hottest year on record and people "are getting crushed by growing poverty and hunger."

"Together we must stand up against the discrimination and hatred that are poisoning relations between countries and communities. And we must make sure new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are a force for good," Guterres added.

"Let us resolve to make 2024 a year of building trust and hope in all that we can accomplish together. I wish you a happy and peaceful New Year," he said in conclusion.