UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday said in his New Year's message that as the world enters 2020 with "uncertainty and insecurity" all around, the world's young people are its "greatest source" of hope and he extended wishes for "peace and happiness in 2020."

Guterres noted that the world is facing many challenges with persistent inequality and rising hatred, and said it is "a world at war and a warming planet."

"We cannot afford to be the generation that fiddled while the planet burned," he said.

"But there is also hope," he said, noting that young people are "rightly demanding a role in shaping the future." 

"From climate action to gender equality to social justice and human rights, your generation is on the frontlines and in the headlines. I am inspired by your passion and determination," he added. "I am with you." 

He pointed out that 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the organization and said that "we are launching a Decade of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our blueprint for a fair globalization."

He urged young people to keep speaking out, pushing boundaries and keeping up the pressure with passion and determination.