United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General and UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva has warned that one-quarter of the world's population lives in conflict and called for a renewed international commitment to peace.
Speaking exclusively to China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Beijing on Thursday, where he attended the 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the UN official expressed particular concern about the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, marked by sporadic tensions. This fragile truce remains a critical flashpoint in the region.
Highlighting the human toll of these crises, Silva warned that renewed hostilities could deepen the already dire humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, where millions face enormous challenges.
"I will just echo the Secretary-General's call for de-escalation and stability. Rather than escalating and proliferating the conflict, we need to do whatever we can in the region to provide stability and peace. But I’m very worried because I have people on the ground in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, in Gaza, in Jordan. I’m always very worried about the impact that the escalation of the conflict can have on the people's security, on their ability to address sustainable development," he said.
Silva underlined alarming figures, noting that over 105 million people are currently displaced globally, including 35 million refugees. He stressed that peace, a basic right, is currently denied to a quarter of the world's population.
"It's very impressive to see the numbers. In the 21st century, in 2025 today, we have more than 105 million people that are forcibly displaced, 35 million refugees. And the numbers are not improving. They are just getting worse and worse because the crises are being compounded," he said.
"Today we have one quarter of the population in the world that live under conflict, that they don't have the most essential thing that we can afford or wish in life, which is peace. So it's time to raise the bar and re-commit on peace, which is the fundamental element of the United Nations Charter," the official added.
UN official urges global peace as one-quarter of world’s population affected by conflict
UN official urges global peace as one-quarter of world’s population affected by conflict
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
