United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has used the occasion of the Chinese New Year to call for renewed global unity, cooperation and resolve, as the world confronts escalating conflicts, inequality and a worsening climate crisis.

"As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we celebrate a symbol of energy, success and the courage to forge ahead — qualities our world urgently needs as we confront conflict, inequality and the climate crisis," Guterres said in a video on Monday.

"This season of renewal reminds us that together we can build a safer, more inclusive future. Let us continue to advance our shared commitment to peace, dignity and sustainable development for all," he said.

The Chinese New Year, traditionally associated with renewal and fresh beginnings, offers an opportunity for the international community to recommit to shared goals, he said. Collective action remains essential to building a safer, more inclusive and sustainable future for all, he added.

This year's Chinese New Year celebration at the UN headquarters, themed "Galloping Forward with the United Nations", was attended by representatives to the UN from more than 120 countries, and over 500 guests from various sectors in the eastern United States.

China stands ready to work with all countries to support the UN in addressing global challenges and building a community with a shared future for humanity, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, at the celebration on Monday.

As this year marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), the country has mapped out not only a blueprint for socioeconomic development over the next five years, but also a promising vision of win-win cooperation with the rest of the world, Fu said.

"Faced with mounting global challenges, from geopolitical conflicts and development gaps to climate change and the governance of artificial intelligence, we must step forward with the courage to lead," he said.

"China, as the second-largest contributor to the UN regular budget and a permanent member of the Security Council, will continue to earnestly fulfill its responsibilities. Together with all nations, we will meet challenges head-on, and do our utmost to inject greater stability and positivity into a turbulent world," he said.

Drawing inspiration from horse — an animal known for its courage, unity and perseverance — China stands ready to work with all countries to firmly support the cause of the UN and jointly address global challenges, Fu said.

In the evening, a festive atmosphere prevailed at the UN headquarters. The Shanghai Museum presented an array of cultural activities, including rubbings and a virtual reality tour of the Huangpu River. The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and the Central Academy of Fine Arts curated a lively Year of the Horse zodiac exhibition.

In addition, eight robots, designed and manufactured in China, made their debut at the UN, igniting excitement across the venue with their dancing, calligraphy performance, and lively interaction with the audience.

Amid the blend of tradition and innovation, guests from around the world experienced firsthand the unique charm of China's rich cultural heritage and the vitality of Chinese modernization, together celebrating a smarter, brighter future filled with infinite promise.

Xinhua contributed to this story.