‘Connect the dots’ between street protests and global turmoil, urges Guterres

The international community must combat inequality and stop wars from expanding to ensure a safer world for all, the UN Secretary-General said on Thursday.Speaking to reporters in New York ahead of a visit to Egypt, António Guterres addressed growing public discontent in Europe and beyond, as people have taken to the streets to express frustration over the rising cost of living. “Everywhere, pressures are building over the price of food, fuel and other basics,” he said. “Interest rates are up – for people and countries. And for young people, the promise of a better future is slipping further out of reach.”No fire without smokeWhile Mr. Guterres clearly denounced the violence and destruction seen during days of protests in France, Italy and elsewhere – stressing that those responsible for criminal activities must be held accountable – he said legitimate grievances of the protestors cannot be overlooked. “We must connect the dots and better understand how deeply linked those very real and peacefully expressed grievances are to the wider turmoil in our world,” he told journalists. He said that today, conflicts are not only intensifying but expanding, which he likened to the El Niño cl...