New York: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday conveyed his "warmest wishes as Muslims around the world begin observing the Holy Month of Ramadan." "Ramadan embodies the values of compassion, empathy and generosity," he said in a video message. The holy month of fasting is "an opportunity to reconnect with family and community" and "a chance to remember those less fortunate," Guterres noted.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Guterres pointed to Gaza and the wider Middle East region, expressing a special message of support for those spending this sacred time amid displacement and violence. "I stand with all those who are suffering," he said. He also joined those observing Ramadan in calling for peace and mutual respect. Reflecting on his annual tradition of visiting a Muslim-majority country during Ramadan, Guterres emphasized that these missions highlight the true face of Islam. "I always come away even more inspired by the remarkable sense of peace that fills this season," he stated.
Guterres wished for everyone to be uplifted by Ramadan's values and to embrace common humanity to build a more just and peaceful world. The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which includes fasting from sunrise to sunset, begins on Saturday and is one of Islam's five pillars.