UN Chief Puts Out Global Ramadan Call
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is calling on the world to embrace what he describes as the values embodied by Islam and the holy month of Ramadan, urging global leaders and communities to draw inspiration from its themes of reflection, compassion, and unity. In a newly released video message, the longtime international diplomat framed Ramadan as a powerful reminder of the possibility for peace in an increasingly divided world.
Guterres delivered the remarks as he traveled to Turkey, where he plans to join Muslim communities in observing the fast during Ramadan. The visit reflects a tradition he says he follows each year, visiting Muslim communities during the holy month as a gesture of solidarity and interfaith respect.
For Muslims across the globe, Ramadan represents the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During this period, believers observe daily fasting from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight hours. The month is also marked by increased prayer, charitable giving, and spiritual reflection.
In his message, Guterres described Ramadan as more than a religious observance, presenting it as a symbol of hope and peace that carries broader lessons for humanity.
“For Muslims around the world, the holy month of Ramadan is a sacred period of reflection and prayer,” Guterres said in the video. “Ramadan also represents a noble vision of hope and peace.”
He noted, however, that for many people around the world the ideals associated with the holy month remain out of reach. The secretary-general pointed to ongoing humanitarian crises and conflicts spanning multiple regions, including Afghanistan, Yemen, Gaza, and Sudan, where millions continue to face violence, hunger, displacement, and discrimination.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Turkey as part an “annual Ramadan solidarity visit,” where he is joining fasting Muslims while calling for the world to “eradicate the scourge of Islamophobia from every country and community.” pic.twitter.com/nmtbzHjerG
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Against that backdrop, Guterres urged the international community to use the spirit of Ramadan as motivation to address global divisions and suffering.
“In these difficult and divided times, let us heed Ramadan’s enduring message,” he said. “To bridge divides. To deliver help and hope to those who are suffering. And to safeguard the rights and dignity of every person.”
The video message follows remarks he delivered just days earlier during the United Nations’ International Day to Combat Islamophobia. At that event, Guterres emphasized the global diversity of the Muslim population, which he estimated at roughly two billion people worldwide. He warned that anti-Muslim prejudice remains a growing concern in many societies.
According to Guterres, confronting discrimination against Muslims should be a global priority. He called on governments and communities to take stronger action to combat what he described as the “scourge of Islamophobia.”
The secretary-general also reflected on his personal experiences participating in Ramadan observances during past visits with Muslim communities. He said those moments have consistently reinforced his belief in the importance of compassion, generosity, and peaceful coexistence.
“Every year I pay a special solidarity visit to a Muslim community and join in the fast,” he explained. “And every year I come away heartened by Ramadan’s spirit of peace and compassion.”
Guterres concluded his message by expressing hope that the holy month would inspire broader cooperation across cultures and nations.
“May this Holy Month inspire us to work as one to build a more peaceful, generous and just world for all people,” he said before offering the traditional Ramadan greeting: “Ramadan Kareem.”