New york: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for a renewed commitment to peace and international cooperation as wars rage, temperatures rise, and human rights come under growing pressure. Speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the death of former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold, Guterres said the values embodied by his predecessor remain a guide in today's turbulent world.

According to Anadolu Agency, Guterres marked Hammarskjold's death by highlighting the current threats to global cooperation. He noted that Hammarskjold was killed in 1961 when his aircraft crashed while on a peace mission to negotiate a ceasefire in the Congolese region of Katanga. Guterres received the latest report from former Tanzanian Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman on the investigation into the crash and plans to convey his recommendations to the General Assembly soon.

Guterres urged member states and other parties to disclose any relevant documents that may help determine what happened, emphasizing that the families of those killed, the UN, and the world deserve answers. Hammarskjold died alongside 15 colleagues and crew members from several countries, and Guterres honored their sacrifice while paying tribute to UN personnel who have lost their lives in service.

Drawing on Hammarskjold's legacy, Guterres called on the international community to confront today's crises with integrity, compassion, and humility. He urged, "Let us be without fear, let us be just, and let us never abandon the work of peace."