‘Connect the dots’ between street protests and global chaos, Guterres urges

Speaking to journalists in New York ahead of his visit to Egypt, António Guterres discussed growing public discontent in Europe and beyond, as people take to the streets to express their frustration over the rising cost of living.

“Everywhere, pressure is increasing on the prices of food, fuel and other basic necessities,” he said said. “Interest rates rise – both for society and the country. And for young people, the promise of a better future is increasingly out of reach.”

There is no fire without smoke

Although Guterres clearly condemned the violence and destruction that occurred during days of protests in France, Italy and other countries – stressing that those responsible for criminal activities must be held accountable – he said that the legitimate complaints of the protesters could not be ignored.

“We must connect the dots and better understand how closely linked real, peacefully expressed grievances are to the broader chaos in our world.,” he told reporters.

He said that currently the conflict is not only intensifying but widespread, which he likens to the El Niño climate phenomenon which occurs in an area but disrupts weather patterns and upends life thousands of kilometers away.

Conflict fuels conflict

“We are now witnessing the El Niño war,” he warned, referring to extreme weather patterns that threaten global climate change in the coming months. “Conflict feeds conflict. And the consequence is that the journey gets farther and faster.”

The Secretary-General pointed to the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan, where civilians and civilian infrastructure – homes, hospitals, schools, airports, power plants and energy facilities – have been deliberately attacked.

“But the consequences don’t stop in combat zones,” he continued, as war disrupts energy markets, shipping, supply chains and financial systems.

War fuels inequality

He said these shocks are sweeping through an already deeply unequal world – “where some countries can accept higher prices, while others have to choose between food and heating”.

Moreover, while some countries can borrow more cheaply to protect their people, others must choose between paying off debt or investing in health, education and the future.

“War did not create all these disparities,” he said. “But it feeds and exploits them – and exposes the fundamental injustice of an economic system that forces the poorest in society to absorb the greatest shocks.”

Middle Eastern skillet

The UN Secretary General emphasized that “the answer is not an ever-widening circle of confrontation, including in the Middle East”. Highlighting the situation in Yemen, he voiced concern over the escalation around the city of Taiz and elsewhere and continued Houthi attacks on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia.

The violence is causing enormous suffering to civilians, adding to regional tensions and increasing displacement and humanitarian needs, he said, calling for self-restraint and political dialogue.

Turning to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, he noted that Israel was still severely limiting vital aid ahead of winter. Difficulties also remain in implementing PBB Security Council-support the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.

Meanwhile, Palestinians in the occupied West Bank continue to experience daily attacks by Israeli settlers, and journalists and diplomats are also attacked.

He appealed to donors to do this increasing contributions to the UN World Food Program (WFP) which urgently needs $450 million for its operations in Gaza and the West Bank for the next six months.

He also reiterated the need for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.

Safety and dignity for everyone

The Secretary General said that his message in Egypt would focus on stopping the expansion of the war, protecting civilians and creating political space for diplomacy and peace.

“People everywhere want security. They want dignity. They want governments and international institutions to make it happenhe concluded.

“This means addressing the inequalities that divide societies – and ending the conflicts that multiply human suffering, raise prices, drain resources from development, and further distance an already unequal world.”