Unity vital to world's future, UN chief says

Global leaders speak of progress, integration and jobs in speeches

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for nations to walk the path of unity in 2018 to overcome the challenges facing world peace, as he joined global leaders in delivering New Year's messages.

"Unity is the path. Our future depends on it," he said on Sunday, when he urged leaders to "narrow the gaps, bridge the divides, (and) rebuild trust by bringing people together around common goals".

Recalling that last year he called for 2017 to be a "year for peace", the UN chief said unfortunately, in fundamental ways, the world had gone in reverse.

Perils have emerged, such as deepening conflicts and new dangers, while global concerns over nuclear weapons are at their highest since the Cold War, Guterres said.

"Nationalism and xenophobia are on the rise," he warned, adding that 2017 also saw the effects of climate change worsen at an alarming rate, growth in inequality, and horrific violations of human rights.

In contrast, United States President Donald Trump predicted 2018 would be a "tremendous year" in a video message. "What a year it's been, and we're just getting started," he said. "Together, we are making America great again".

Vladimir Putin, who will seek a fourth term as Russia's president in this year's election, wished his compatriots "changes for the better" in his traditional televised New Year's address.

He also thanked the people for "believing in themselves and in our country", and wished "peace and prosperity to our great Russia, the dear and only one".

In the European Union, French and German leaders called for intensified cooperation within the EU bloc in their speeches, while Italy's president focused on domestic unemployment.