New York: Europe and the Arabs

With the approach of the holy month of Ramadan, the UN Secretary-General called for heeding the message of the blessed month to bridge divides, "extend a helping hand and give hope to those suffering, and protect human rights and dignity," according to the UN Daily News.

In his annual message for the occasion, Secretary-General António Guterres said that Ramadan represents a sacred time for reflection and prayer for Muslims around the world.

He added: "Ramadan also represents a noble vision of hope and peace. However, this vision remains elusive for many members of our human family. From Afghanistan to Yemen, from Gaza to Sudan and beyond, people are suffering the horrors of conflict, hunger, displacement, discrimination, and other hardships."

Guterres noted that each year, in a spirit of solidarity, he makes a special visit to a Muslim community to share in their fast. He said he returns each year with his heart "filled with the spirit of peace and compassion that permeates the month of Ramadan." He concluded his message by saying, "May this holy month inspire us to work together to build a more peaceful, generous, and just world for all people. Ramadan Kareem."

In a similar message last year, the Secretary-General called on everyone to embrace its values ​​as "a means of transcendence" and to hold fast to "our shared humanity to build a more just and peaceful world for all." He said in his message that Ramadan embodies "the values ​​of compassion, empathy, and generosity," and represents an opportunity to reconnect with family and community and to remember those less fortunate.

He also sent a special message of support to all those who will be spending these blessed times amidst displacement and violence. He said, "I express my solidarity with all those who are suffering, from Gaza and the entire region, to Sudan, the Sahel, and beyond. I join my voice with those observing Ramadan in calling for peace and mutual respect." The Secretary-General noted his annual Ramadan solidarity visits, during which he fasts with Muslim communities around the world. He said these visits "remind the world of the true face of Islam, and I always return with an even greater sense of the wonderful peace that permeates this holy month."

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric announced that the Secretary-General's Ramadan visit last year was to Bangladesh. He traveled to Cox's Bazar to break his fast and meet with Rohingya refugees—who were forced to flee their homes in Myanmar—and the Bangladeshi community, which has shown great generosity in hosting them. The Secretary-General began his Ramadan solidarity visits when he was serving as High Commissioner for Refugees.