On January 25 (December 26, Giap Thin year), United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2025.
In a message to all countries and people around the world celebrating the Lunar New Year, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed hope that the Year of the Snake - a symbol of wisdom, resilience and innovation - will bring humanity good health, happiness, prosperity and new opportunities.
At the start of a new year, the head of the world's largest multilateral organization also hopes that the international community will strengthen its commitment to cooperation for peace, fairness and justice, with the hope and determination to create a better future for all.
"Happy Lunar New Year. I am pleased to extend my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year - and this Year of the Snake. The snake represents wisdom, resilience and renewal. In times of challenge, let us be guided by these qualities and renew our commitment to peace, equality and justice. Let us embrace this time of new beginnings with hope and determination to create a better future for all. May the Year of the Snake bring health, happiness, prosperity and new opportunities. Thank you," said Secretary-General Guterres in the New Year greeting video below.
On December 22, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution officially recognizing Lunar New Year as an annual United Nations holiday.
The resolution highlights that Lunar New Year is a holiday celebrated in many member states, and encourages UN bodies not to hold meetings on the first day of the lunar new year.
