British News Agency

UN Secretary-General António Guterres held a press conference focusing on his recent engagements, developments in the Middle East, and climate change.

Following his visits to Syria, Jordan, and Cyprus, Guterres said that Syria had entered a recovery process after years of devastation and stressed that the international community should support these efforts.

Regarding Cyprus, he said the search for a solution had become more urgent than ever and announced his decision to convene a new "5+1" meeting following preparations on confidence-building measures, methodology, and substance.

Speaking about the conflicts in the Middle East, Guterres stated: "The region and the world cannot withstand more wars."

He noted that military tensions in the Gulf had entered their sixth month, increasing global instability. Trade through the Strait of Hormuz has declined, energy markets have been affected, and food and fertilizer prices have risen, he said.

Referring to Gaza, Guterres stressed that fighting must end on all fronts, international navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz and around Bab el-Mandeb must be restored, and diplomacy must take priority.

In the second part of his remarks, Guterres addressed climate change, saying that the effects of El Niño are intensifying and that the world is experiencing extreme heat, wildfires, and record-breaking temperatures.

According to new forecasts from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), temperatures between August and October are expected to remain above normal in many regions. "The climate crisis is accelerating," Guterres said.

He emphasized that extreme heat has the greatest impact on children, older people, persons with disabilities, outdoor workers, and vulnerable communities, calling on governments to develop heat action plans, early warning systems, and public health measures.

Guterres also stressed the need to adapt working conditions to extreme heat and strengthen cities and infrastructure against climate risks.

He further warned that fossil fuels are deepening the climate crisis and called for accelerating the transition to clean energy.