UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a heartfelt message as Muslims worldwide begin observing the Holy Month of Ramadan, calling for peace, solidarity, and unity.
In his message, Guterres expressed his warmest wishes to Muslims globally, highlighting the values of compassion, empathy, and generosity that define Ramadan.
Ramadan, Guterres noted, is not only a time for spiritual reflection but also an opportunity to reconnect with family and community, and to remember those who are less fortunate. He dedicated a special part of his message to those enduring displacement and violence, offering his support to individuals in regions such as Gaza, Sudan, the Sahel, and other areas affected by conflict and hardship.
Guterres also shared his annual tradition of visiting Muslim communities across the globe during Ramadan, where he fasts with them to reaffirm the values of Islam and remind the world of its true face. These visits, he said, inspire him with a deep sense of peace and reinforce the spirit of the season.
The secretary-general concluded his message by calling on people around the world to be uplifted by the values of Ramadan, urging them to embrace their shared humanity and work together to build a more just and peaceful world. He ended with a heartfelt “Ramadan Kareem,” extending his best wishes to all observing the Holy Month.
This year, Guterres will undertake a solidarity visit to Bangladesh from March 13 to 16, where he will meet Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and participate in an Iftar meal with refugees and members of the Bangladeshi host community.