Dear Editor,

The year 2020 has been one of trials, tragedies, and tears.

COVID-19 upended our lives and plunged the world into suffering and grief.

So many loved ones have been lost and the pandemic rages on, creating new waves of sickness and death.

Poverty, inequality, and hunger are rising. Jobs are disappearing and debts are mounting. Children are struggling.

Violence in the home is increasing and insecurity is everywhere.

But a new year lies ahead. And with it, we see rays of hope:

* people extending a helping hand to neighbours and strangers;

* front-line workers giving their all;

* scientists developing vaccines in record time; and

* countries making new commitments to prevent climate catastrophe.

If we work together in unity and solidarity these rays of hope can reach around the world. That’s the lesson of this most difficult year.

Both climate change and the novel coronavirus pandemic are crises that can only be addressed by everyone together as part of a transition to an inclusive and sustainable future.

The central ambition of the United Nations for 2021 is to build a global coalition for carbon neutrality — net zero emissions — by 2050.

Every government, city, business, and individual can play a part in achieving this vision.

Together, let’s make peace among ourselves and with nature, tackle the climate crisis, stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, and make 2021 a year of healing.

Healing from the impact of a deadly virus. Healing broken economies and societies. Healing divisions. And starting to heal the planet.

That must be our new year’s resolution for 2021.

I wish you all a happy and peaceful new year from the United Nations.

António Guterres

Secretary general

United Nations