UN Calls for Peace, Urges Nations to 'Stop the Madness' of War

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the world’s nations to prioritise peace and “stop the madness” of war.

He made the statement while in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. During the event, he also held a series of bilateral meetings with the attending heads of state.

“The message is very important: it is time to stop this madness. It is time for peace. And some of the key actors in this process are here,” Guterres told Euronews during an interview on the sidelines of the SCO summit on Tuesday.

Guterres expressed concern over armed conflicts that he believes are becoming endless in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

“What is most worrying for us is the reality that there are conflicts that seem never-ending. This applies to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The same is happening in the Middle East, both the conflict in Gaza and the confrontation between Iran and the United States,” Guterres continued.

This year’s SCO summit is attended by representatives from 17 countries and six international organisations.