António Guterres

We have a choice, collective action or collective suicide.

Jesus Jiménez "U.N. chief warns that humanity faces 'collective suicide' over climate crisis.", The New York Times, 18 July 2022. , 2022

I am pleased that more than 100 civilians have successfully been evacuated from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, in an operation successfully coordinated by the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. I hope the continued coordination with Kyiv and Moscow will lead to more humanitarian pauses that will allow civilians safe passage away from the fighting and aid to reach people where the needs are greatest.

"Statement by the Secretary-General – on Ukraine" (3 May 2022) , 2022

We can't deter people fleeing for their lives. They will come. The choice we have is how well we manage their arrival, and how humanely.

"U.N. Refugee Chief: Europe’s Response to Mediterranean Crisis Is ‘Lagging Far Behind’", Time (23 April 2015) , 2015

I want Palestinians in Gaza to know: You are not alone. People around the world are outraged by the horrors we are all witnessing in real-time. I carry the voices of the vast majority of the world who have seen enough. Who have had enough. And who still believe that human dignity and decency must define us as a global community.

"Secretary-General's press encounter at Rafah border crossing" United Nations (23 March 2024) , 2024

In many ways, we are at ground zero for the world we need to build — a world of respect for international law, the UN Charter and the power of multilateralism, a world that protects civilians, a world that advances human rights, a world where leaders live up to the values that they have promised to uphold. That, too, is a struggle — but it is one that we must win for the sake of every country, community and person around the world.

Also quoted in "'The world sees you' UN chief tells Ukrainians, pledging to boost support" UN News (28 April 2022) , 2022