There is never a humanitarian solution for a humanitarian crisis. The solutions for the humanitarian crisis are always political ones.
Antonio GuterresRead
When I was growing up reading history books as a young student, it seemed all wars had a winner. Yet in today's wars, it is increasingly clear that no one wins. Everyone loses.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the idea that in modern conflicts, the consequences are universally detrimental, rather than producing clear victors.
Antonio Guterres highlights a fundamental shift in the nature of warfare, suggesting that unlike in the past where battles had distinct winners, contemporary conflicts result in mutual devastation. This insight emphasizes the importance of understanding the collective impacts of war, where the toll on humanity transcends traditional notions of victory and defeat.
Themes
WarLossHistoryHumanityConsequences
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on conflict resolution, this quote can illustrate the futility of wars.
More from Antonio Guterres
All quotes →As a global society, we have the technology, resources and the know-how to make a massive difference to living standards everywhere, including for refugees.
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The world's problems transcend borders.
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Humanitarian response, sustainable development, and sustaining peace are three sides of the same triangle.
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The fact that societies are becoming increasingly multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious is good. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
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Syria has become the great tragedy of this century - a disgraceful humanitarian calamity with suffering and displacement unparalleled in recent history.
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