Editor's note: Decision Makers is a global platform for decision makers to share their insights on events shaping today's world. Siddharth Chatterjee is the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
The Year of the Dragon has arrived, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres is urging the world to channel the dragon's legendary energy 💥, wisdom 🧠, and resilience to overcome pressing global crises. In his Lunar New Year message, he highlighted the need for collective action amid climate disasters, AI risks, conflicts, and stalled progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2023 was a year of extremes: record-breaking heatwaves 🔥, wars displacing millions, and the unchecked spread of AI-driven misinformation. With the SDGs—humanity's roadmap for peace and prosperity—falling behind, Guterres emphasized that "more people will remain without water, electricity, education, or food" unless urgency is prioritized.
But the Lunar New Year offers hope 🌟. From dragon dances in Beijing to red lanterns in Shanghai, traditions remind us to harness unity and renewal. As families reunite and communities celebrate, Guterres’s message resonates: the dragon’s symbolism isn’t just cultural—it’s a call to tackle 2024’s challenges with courage and creativity.
