UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday sent a message to the Chinese people and wished them a happy Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on February 10 this year.

In a video message, Guterres said the Year of the Dragon symbolizes energy, wisdom, protection and good luck. "We need these qualities to rise to today's global challenges."

Noting that the celebration at the United Nations this year is special as the Chinese Lunar New Year is part of the UN holiday calendar for the first time, Guterres expressed his gratitude to China and the Chinese people for their unwavering support to the UN, multilateralism and global progress.

"Together, we can realize a sustainable, just and peaceful future," he added.

At the end of the video, he wished the Chinese people good health, happiness and prosperity in this new year.

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important festival in China and an occasion for family reunions.

(Cover: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sends the Chinese New Year greetings to Chinese people via video, February 6, 2024. /CMG)