ECOSOC United Nations Economic and Social Counci : Secretary-General, in Message for Lunar New Year, Commends China’s Commitment to Multilateralism, United Nations

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres' video message for the Chinese Lunar New Year:

Happy Lunar New Year.

Xin Nian Hao. [Happy New Year.]

I am António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The Year of the Rooster symbolizes early starts and new beginnings.

It stresses the importance of energy, determination and a strong sense of responsibility at work.

These are inspiring attributes to help guide us in troubled times.

I have called for 2017 to be a year of peace. We must work together to overcome conflict, human rights abuses, poverty and other crises. Above all, we must work to prevent these problems in the first place. That is why I have made prevention a top priority.

China plays a vital role for the UN. I recently had the honour of meeting with [China] President Xi Jinping in Geneva. I welcomed his commitment to multilateralism as we strive to advance our common goals for the future.

Zhù dà jiā jī nián dà jí. [May happiness and success find you in the Year of the Rooster.]

Xiè xiè. [Thank you.]