The League is among the regional organizations which have a vital role to play in advancing peace, sustainable development, and human rights, he added.
Mr. Guterres also appealed for unity across the Arab world, which he said has never been more essential.
“Division opens the door to foreign interference, terrorism, manipulation, and sectarian strife. But united, your leadership can shape a region that makes the most of its enormous potential. A region centred on solving differences through dialogue, rooted in respect and mutual interest,” he said.
Support for Palestine refugees
The Secretary-General began his remarks by focusing attention on the continued suffering of the Palestinian people, underlining the UN’s clear position that peace must advance, and occupation must end.
“Our shared goal remains two States – Israel and Palestine – living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States,” he said.
With the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, in financial crisis, Mr. Guterres urged Arab States to generously support this “vital pillar of regional stability”.
He also looked forward to continued collaboration to address conflicts and rising humanitarian needs in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Sudan.
Concern for developing countries
The Secretary-General highlighted how developing countries require greater support today because they are not getting the financing they need.
Nations in the Arab world, Africa and beyond, are being weakened by conflicts, battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, and pummelled by the climate crisis.
Fallout from the war in Ukraine, in the form of soaring food and energy prices, spiralling inflation, and crushing debt, have added to the burden.
“I am pushing for an SDG stimulus – led by the G20 – to boost investment in sustainable development for emerging economies,” he said.
The goal is to increase liquidity, accelerate debt relief and restructure debt in ways that are comprehensive, effective and fair.
Save Ukraine grain deal
The UN also is “working non-stop” to preserve and extend the landmark agreement on exports from Ukraine and removing all remaining obstacles to Russian food and fertilizer exports.
The deal has been vital to the Arab region and the entire world, said the Secretary-General, as food prices have dropped in its wake.
Russia’s decision at the weekend to suspend cooperation, saw prices immediately tick up.
“We must do all we can to ensure the continued success of the Black Sea Grain Initiative to provide relief to those in need, including countries in the Middle East and North Africa relying on accessible and affordable food and fertilizers — both from Ukraine and the Russian Federation,” he added.
Cooperation on climate action
The upcoming COP27 UN climate change conference – taking place in the heart of the Arab world in Egypt – represents another vital opportunity for restoring trust between developed and developing countries, Mr. Guterres continued.
He urged wealthier countries to be at the forefront of action to curb global temperature rise.
“They must reduce their emissions this decade – in line with keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees – and fully pivot to renewable energy. They must finally mobilize 100 billion dollars annually to support developing countries build resilience,” he said.
Additionally, half of all climate finance must go towards adaptation, and the global community must urgently address climate impacts that are beyond countries’ abilities to adapt.
Mr. Guterres stated that action on ‘loss and damage’ is a moral imperative that must be front and centre at COP27, which opens this weekend in Sharm el-Sheikh.
“It is immoral and unreasonable to expect communities that did nothing to cause global heating to pay the price for climate impacts,” he said.
