Press encounter of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres following meeting with German Chancellor Merz

Chancellor Merz, thank you for your warm welcome.

And I look forward to working closely with you and your new Government to build a Germany-UN partnership even stronger in the future, than in the present, knowing that in the present it is already extremely strong.

Germany is a pillar of multilateralism …

A strong and generous supporter of the United Nations…

A voice of peace and a champion of human rights…

A committed leader in the fight against climate change…

And an essential partner for peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian aid — demonstrated not least by your hosting of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting that was an exceptional success.

Germany is a leader in the humanitarian response in Lebanon and Syria, and strongly engaged on Sudan, including most recently as co-host of the recent conference in London.

German diplomacy is particularly active in addressing the two biggest challenges that affect peace in Europe and the Middle East: the situations in Ukraine and Gaza.

I reiterate my appeal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine to pave the way for a just peace. A peace based on the UN Charter and international law, namely respecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

In relation to Gaza, I reiterate my call for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, unimpeded humanitarian access, and an immediate cessation of hostilities allowing for an irreversible path towards a Two-State solution.

Beyond peace efforts, I see a number of other key areas where German leadership can make — and is making — a positive difference in the world.

In the global battle against climate change as we work towards maximum ambition and climate justice at COP30 in Brazil... 

And at the upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla, where we will push namely for debt relief and reforming the global financial architecture to support developing countries in the follow up of the Pact for the Future.

And most of all, Germany’s leadership and voice are essential in a world of growing geopolitical divides and mistrust.

This is an important year for multilateralism — the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

And we count on Germany to continue standing up for the solidarity and solutions our world needs now.

Danke schön

Berlin, 14 May 2025