U.N. chief: Unchecked debt 'dagger through heart' for global recovery

FILE PHOTO: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the 76th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 21, 2021. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/Pool//File Photo

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Monday that if left unchecked debt distress in the world's most vulnerable countries would be "a dagger through the heart of global recovery" from the coronavirus pandemic.

"The international community has taken a few positive steps, but it is time for a quantum leap in support," Guterres said, speaking at the opening of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development in Barbados.