UN Secretary-General Calls for Renewed Commitment to Refugees at JRS/USA 45th Anniversary Dinner

On November 13, 2025, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered powerful remarks at the 45th Anniversary Dinner of Jesuit Refugee Service/USA — a milestone event celebrating decades of solidarity with forcibly displaced persons worldwide.

Key Messages from the Secretary-General

During his address, Secretary-General Guterres underscored the urgency of global solidarity: as forced displacement reaches record levels worldwide, support for refugees cannot be treated as optional — it is a moral imperative and a test of shared humanity. He honored JRS/USA’s legacy of compassion, called on governments and civil society to reaffirm their support, and invited individuals everywhere to stand with forcibly displaced people.

“For 45 years, the Jesuit Refugee Service has been coming to the aid of people uprooted by conflict and persecution.

Accompanying them in their suffering.

Providing them with vital services.

Advocating for their dignity and rights.

This work is much more than an act of charity.

It is an expression of humanity.

JRS was formed in response to the boat crisis in Southeast Asia, offering hope to people fleeing persecution and crushing poverty.

And for four and a half decades, you have delivered.” 

Read the Secretary-General’s full remarks here