SG/SM/22342

26 August 2024

Secretary-General, at Pacific Island Forum Opening Ceremony, Says Greater Financial, Technological Support for Region Crucial to Protect Climate, Save World

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Pacific Islands Forum Opening Ceremony, in Tonga today: 

It is a great pleasure to address the Pacific Islands Forum. And allow me to express my deep gratitude to the Government and the people of Tonga for their incredible hospitality.

We meet at a turbulent time for our world.  Raging conflicts, an escalating climate crisis, inequalities and injustices everywhere, and the 2030 Agenda is faltering.  But, this region is a beacon of solidarity and strength, environmental stewardship and peace.

The world has much to learn from the Pacific and the world must also step up to support your initiatives.  This is a region of fearless seafarers, expert fishers and deep ancestral knowledge of the ocean.

But, humanity is treating the sea like a sewer.  Plastic pollution is choking sea life.  Greenhouse gases are causing ocean heating, acidification and a dramatic and accelerating rise in sea levels.

Pacific islands are showing the way to protect our climate, our planet and our ocean:  By declaring a climate emergency and pushing for action, and with your Declarations on Sea Level Rise, and aspirations for a just transition to a fossil-fuel-free Pacific.

The young people of the Pacific have taken the climate crisis all the way to the International Court of Justice.  You have also rightly recognized that this is a security crisis — and taken steps to manage those risks together.

I want to express my full support to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and I will do my best to help mobilize international resources for the Pacific Resilience Facility and to engage with all the relevant initiatives the Pacific Island Forum.

The survival plan for our planet is simple:  Establishing a just transition for the phaseout of the fossil fuels that are responsible for 85 per cent of the emissions of greenhouse gases.  All countries must produce national climate plans — nationally determined contributions — by next year, aligning with the 1.5°C upper limit of global heating.

The Group of 20 (G20) — the biggest emitters responsible for 80 per cent of those emissions — must step up and lead, by phasing out the production and consumption of fossil fuels and stopping their expansion immediately.

When Governments sign new oil and gas licenses, they are signing away our future.  The Pacific Island States’ ambition for a fossil-fuel-free Pacific is a blueprint for the G20 and for the world.

But, the region urgently needs substantial finance, capacities and technology to speed up the transition and to invest in adaptation and resilience.

That is why we have been calling for the reform of the international financial architecture, for a massive increase in the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, for debt-relief programmes that work, including for middle-income countries that are in distress, and an enhanced redistribution of special drawing rights, to benefit developing countries and in particular small island developing States.

The decisions world leaders take in the coming years will determine the fate, first of Pacific Islanders — but also of everyone else. In other words: If we save the Pacific, we save the world.

Pacific Island States have a moral and practical imperative to take your leadership and your voice to the global stage.  You demonstrated this leadership once again with the General Assembly’s endorsement of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.  We must now make sure that international financial institutions include them in their criteria for operations.

The Summit of the Future in New York next month will be an opportunity to reform and update global institutions, so they are fit for the world of today and tomorrow.

Across the board, the Summit aims to provide developing countries with a greater voice on the global stage, including at the UN Security Council and in international financial institutions.

I urge Pacific Island States to make your voices heard and heard loudly because the world needs your leadership.

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sgsm22342.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

SG/SM/22229

15 May 2024

Secretary-General, at Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly Session, Says Lawmakers Have Key Role in Addressing Today’s Multiple Challenges, Laying Foundation for Better Future

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the Eighteenth Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, held in Braga, Portugal, on 15-16 May:

I am pleased to greet this Eighteenth Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean in the beautiful city of Braga.

You are meeting as your region and the world are facing immense challenges.  War and violence are causing terrible suffering — in Gaza, in Ukraine and beyond. International humanitarian law is being trampled.  Hate speech is spreading like wildfire — in particular against minorities, migrants and refugees.

Climate catastrophe, poverty and inequalities are deepening divisions between developed and developing countries.  The rights of women and girls are being eroded.  And many have lost trust — in both national and multilateral governance.

We can restore that trust by changing people’s lives for the better.  That is the spirit of this September’s Summit of the Future:  to come together around effective solutions for people.  To reform unfair and outdated global institutions and make multilateralism more effective — starting with the Security Council and the international financial architecture.  To guarantee human rights and dignity — everywhere.

To deliver on our promise to leave no one behind — including by ensuring the integrity of the international refugee protection regime and the rights of all persons on the move.  To address the dangers posed by artificial intelligence and ensure that technology serves the greater good.  And to include people in all decisions about their future.

As parliamentarians, you have a key role in putting people first, translating their hopes into legislation, and bridging the gap between global aspirations and local realities.

By fostering ambitious and inclusive policies, you can contribute to addressing the challenges of today while laying the foundations for a brighter tomorrow.  I count on your active engagement for a more peaceful, sustainable and just world — at the Summit of the Future and beyond.  I wish you a fruitful session.

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sgsm22229.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

With Islamophobia on Rise, Everyone Must Work Together to End Anti-Muslim Hate, Bigotry Everywhere, Secretary-General Stresses in Observance Message

SG/SM/22159

15 March 2024

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed on 15 March:

We gather today as Muslims around the world observe the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is a time of reflection and solidarity.  It’s a moment to come together and uplift each other.  But for many Muslims around the world, these are also times of anguish and fear.

In the spirit of Ramadan, I have called for a silencing of the guns in Gaza and Sudan.  Today, at this important event, I call on all political, religious and community leaders — everyone, everywhere — to join our plea.  It’s time for peace.

For nearly 2 billion Muslims across the world, Islam is a pillar of faith and worship uniting people in every corner of the globe.  And let us remember that it is also a pillar of our shared history. 

For centuries, Muslims have been a crucial source of culture, philosophy, scholarship and science.  From the enormous influence of Avicenna, the great physician and philosopher whose interpretations of Plato and Aristotle helped shaped the development of Western European philosophy. 

To the Muslim mathematician and astronomer Al-Khwarizmi, responsible for delivering Hindu-Arabic numerals and the father of algebra.  To the “father of rationalism”, Averroes, whose groundbreaking commentaries bridged Islamic and Western thought.  To the countless contributions of Muslims across every field — from science, technology and medicine, to literature, art, music and architecture.

Today’s event shines a light on a vicious plague that represents a complete denial and ignorance of Islam and Muslims and their undeniable contributions:  The plague of Islamophobia.

Around the world, we see a rising tide of anti-Muslim hate and bigotry.  That can come in many forms.  Structural and systemic discrimination.  Socioeconomic exclusion.  Unequal immigration policies.  Unwarranted surveillance and profiling.  Restrictions in accessing citizenship, education, employment and justice.

These and other institutional barriers violate our shared commitment to human rights and dignity.  They also perpetuate a vicious cycle of exclusion, poverty and disenfranchisement that echoes across generations.

Meanwhile, divisive rhetoric and misrepresentation are propagating stereotypes, stigmatizing communities and creating an environment of misunderstanding and suspicion.  This can lead to an increase in harassment and even outright violence against Muslims — rising accounts of which are being reported by civil society groups in countries around the world.  Some are shamefully exploiting anti-Muslim hate and exclusionary policies for political gain.  We must call this what it is.  Hate.  Plain and simple.

And purveyors of hate speech are misusing the most powerful megaphone in history to amplify and spread their despicable ideologies — social media.  Online platforms have become breeding grounds for extremist ideologies and harassment.  This not only deepens divisions.  It fuels real-life violence.

Sadly, this alarming trend is part of a wider pattern of supremacist ideologies and attacks against Jews, minority Christian communities and many others.  Hatred of one group fuels hatred of another.  Hate normalizes hate.  Hate destroys the fabric of our societies.  And hate undermines the equality, understanding and respect for human rights upon which a peaceful future — and a peaceful world — depend.

We cannot stand on the sidelines while hatred and bigotry run wild.  Today’s event reminds us that we all have a responsibility to confront and root out the scourge of anti-Muslim bigotry.  Political leaders must lead the way, and foster social cohesion, not fear.  Governments must condemn inflammatory discourse and safeguard religious freedom — in particular for minorities.  And I am grateful to religious leaders who are working together to promote interfaith dialogue.

Digital platforms must moderate and prevent the spread of hateful content, while protecting users from harassment.  Artificial intelligence must reduce biases and stereotypes, not reproduce and amplify them.

And all of us must do our part to dismantle the walls of intolerance and division.  In cities, towns and villages.  In schools, in the street, and online. Everywhere and anywhere.  Let’s all pledge to call out anti-Muslim bigotry, no matter where we see or hear it.  Muslims hail from all countries, cultures and walks of life.  They represent the wonderful diversity of the human family.

As we stand united on this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us renew our commitment to upholding the principles of equality, dignity, human rights and respect.  These are the cornerstone of our shared humanity — and of the United Nations Charter. 

Let us promote empathy and invest in social cohesion — by embracing diversity as a strength rather than a source of division.  And let us stand in solidarity with Muslims from around the world — in this Holy Month of Ramadan and every day.

Together, we can build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies where every individual, regardless of their faith, can live in harmony and peace.

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sgsm22159.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

• STATEMENTS AND MESSAGES

SG/SM/22134

14 FEBRUARY 2024

Secretary-General Urges Bold Action to Speed Up Renewable Revolution, Phase Out Fossil Fuels in Fiftieth Anniversary Message for International Energy Agency

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the International Energy Agency fiftieth anniversary celebration, in Paris today: 

I congratulate the women and men of the International Energy Agency on your fiftieth anniversary.  And I want to recognize and thank Executive Director Fatih Birol.  Under his strong and insightful leadership, the International Energy Agency has carved out a critical role at the heart of the renewables revolution.

The work of the International Energy Agency is shaping public debate; supporting a just, sustainable energy transition; and showing how net zero can and must become reality.  Limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C ultimately depends on putting an end to fossil fuels.

And the International Energy Agency has shown the astonishing speed at which renewables prices are falling, and renewables roll out is happening. The work of the IEA is helping to demonstrate that the phase out of fossil fuels is both economically inevitable and environmentally essential.  The end of the fossil fuel era is assured.

The only questions are:  Will we move fast enough to limit the worst of climate chaos?  And will the transition to renewables be fair, just and equitable?  It is up to all of us to ensure the answer to both these questions is yes.

Every person on earth must be connected to clean, affordable power by 2030.  And every community and country must benefit from the transition to clean, cheap renewables.  Today, too many emerging and developing economies are being left behind.

We need G20 [Group of 20] countries to lead a rapid phase out of fossil fuels.  We need finance to flow to renewables — particularly by reforming the business models of multilateral development banks to leverage far more private finance at reasonable cost to developing countries.

And we need all countries to implement the commitments made at COP28 [twenty-eighth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change]:  To triple global renewables capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030; To accelerate the move away from fossil fuels this decade;  And to create ambitious new economy-wide national climate plans aligned with the 1.5°C limit, by 2025.

As we look ahead, the International Energy Agency’s continued analysis, advice and coordination will be essential — throughout this crucial decade and beyond.  The next 18 months are vital.

And I invite the International Energy Agency to intensify technical support to countries preparing the next round of national climate action plans.  Help them create ambitious, practical plans that are a magnet for private investment.  And urge them to back those plans up with credible climate policies — from regulations that support investment, to placing an effective price on carbon, to putting an end to fossil fuel subsidies.

The clean energy future is coming.  As we celebrate half a century of the International Energy Agency, let’s commit to harnessing your spirit of cooperation to bring that future into being faster.

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sgsm22134.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

SG/SM/21967

2 OCTOBER 2023

Stressing ‘1.5°C Limit Is Possible’, Secretary-General Urges International Climate and Energy Summit to Expedite Fossil-Fuel Phase-Out, Net-Zero Timelines

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the International Climate and Energy Summit, in Madrid today:

I am pleased to join you for this International Climate and Energy Summit.  And I thank the Government of Spain and the International Energy Agency for bringing us together.

You meet in Madrid to strengthen the coalition to respond to a defining challenge of our times:  Saving the 1.5°C limit, by cleaning up global energy.  Time is short, but it is possible.  The International Energy Agency’s new Net Zero Roadmap shows us that.  But we need action now.

First, action at COP28 [twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change].  I urge you to work together, in Madrid, and in the United Arab Emirates, to secure a strong outcome in response to the Global Stocktake.  That must include commitments to double energy efficiency, triple renewables capacity, cut methane from the energy sector by 75 per cent, and ensure universal access to energy — all by 2030.

These efforts must be accompanied by a collective commitment to accelerate a fair and just phase-out of fossil fuels, as we bring clean power to all.  One without the other equals failure.

Second, action from Governments.  I have proposed an Acceleration Agenda.  This calls on Governments to speed up net-zero timelines — so that developed countries get there as close as possible to 2040 and emerging economies as close as possible to 2050.  And it urges all Governments to put in place credible actions, policies and plans that are compatible with a 1.5°C world, and for developed countries to deliver climate justice to those on the front lines of the crisis.

That includes, amongst other measures, putting a stop to new coal and phasing out existing coal; shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables — subsidies the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates reached $7 trillion last year; and ending new oil and gas licensing.

Developed countries must honour the $100 billion commitment, and replenish the Green Climate Fund.  And we must push the multilateral development banks to adapt their business models to leverage far more private finance at reasonable cost to developing countries so they can reduce emissions and adapt.

Third, we need action from business.  The Acceleration Agenda calls on companies — including fossil fuel companies — to create credible transition plans across the entire value chain.  All this is eminently achievable.

The Climate Ambition Summit I hosted in New York last month indicated a collective way forward.  And it showed that action to meet the 1.5°C limit is not a dream.  It is practical and it is possible.  We know what needs to be done.  Let’s do it.

ENERGY

 

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21967.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

SG/SM/21963

27 SEPTEMBER 2023

While Floodwaters Receding, ‘Needs Have Not’, Secretary-General Tells General Assembly, Urging Support to Pakistan as ‘Litmus Test for Climate Justice’

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the General Assembly’s informal briefing marking one year since the 2022 floods in Pakistan, in New York today:

We are here for the people of Pakistan.  A year has passed since apocalyptic flooding submerged a third of their country.  I visited some of the affected areas that September.  I will never forget the climate-related carnage I saw.  Lives, homes, livelihoods, schools, hospitals — all obliterated.  And I will never forget the stories I heard — particularly from women and men who abandoned their own homes and possessions to save their neighbours from the rising waters.

Overall, some 1,700 people died, 8 million were displaced and 33 million were affected.  While much of the water has receded, the needs have not.  More than 8 million people in flood-affected areas lack access to clean water.  Millions depend on humanitarian aid.  And more than 2 million homes, 30,000 schools and 2,000 health facilities were damaged or destroyed — and reconstruction has just begun.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s economy is in enormous difficulties. Food-price inflation is approaching 40 per cent.  And the floods devastated agriculture, raising prices and reducing incomes.  Some 8 million additional people have been pushed into poverty; and millions more have been forced to move in search of work.

When the floods hit, Pakistanis were first to help each other. And the United Nations has stood with them.  We released immediately $10 million — of course a drop in this ocean — from the Central Emergency Response Fund to kick-start the response immediately, followed by another $6.5 [million] within weeks.  But, with the Government of Pakistan, we launched the Floods Response Plan, seeking $816 million for immediate aid and protection.  I can report now that this appeal is now 69 per cent funded.

In January, together with the Government, we co-hosted a conference on a climate-resilient Pakistan that presented the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework — known as the “4RF”. Billions were pledged — but the vast majority was in loans.  And Pakistan is still waiting for much of the funding, and delays are undermining people’s efforts to rebuild their lives.

I call on donors, [and] on international financial institutions to make good on their commitments, and put the money they have promised the “4RF” on the table as soon as possible.  The International Partners Support Group is working with the Government to channel resources to areas where attention is most needed.  A monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress will also be critical.

Pakistan needs and deserves massive support from the international community.  The country is responsible for less than 1 per cent of greenhouse-gas emissions — but its people are 15 times more likely to die from climate-related impacts than people elsewhere.  Pakistan is a double victim — of climate chaos, and of our outdated and unjust global financial system that prevents middle-income countries from accessing much-needed resources to invest in adaptation and resilience.

I have long warned that climate chaos is knocking on everyone’s door.  Today, it is beating that door down, from Libya to the Horn of Africa, China, Canada and beyond.  And Pakistan is a chronicle of climate chaos foretold.  There is nothing natural about a disaster on this scale — or about the fires, storms and droughts wreaking havoc elsewhere.  Carbon emissions are heating our planet, killing people, destroying communities and devastating economies.

Some countries claim they cannot afford to cut emissions. The truth is that no one can afford climate breakdown.  There is not enough humanitarian and development aid in the world for that.  Fossil fuel-based energy systems are a political decision.  And those decisions must change.  The science is clear; the shift to renewables is imperative.

The only question is how much suffering the world — particularly the most vulnerable countries like Pakistan — will endure before emissions are cut.  My Acceleration Agenda and Climate Solidarity Pact show the way forward.  And COP28 [twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change] must see concrete action on both.

Meanwhile, the international system must support vulnerable countries.  The loss and damage fund must be operationalized, so that it can provide grant-based finance without increasing debt.  The Green Climate Fund must be fully replenished.  And developed countries must deliver the $100 billion, and double [climate] finance for adaptation and resilience.  Every person must be covered by an early warning system by 2027.  And international financial institutions must enable developing countries, including middle-income countries, to access debt relief and concessional funding when they need it most — like in the case of Pakistan.

Pakistan is a litmus test for climate justice.  The responsibility is clear.  So are the solutions — in the humanitarian appeal and the “4RF”.  The countries that contributed most to global heating must contribute most to righting the harm it has done.  Starting in Pakistan; and starting today.  And I thank you.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21963.doc.htm

SG/SM/21927

6 SEPTEMBER 2023

Marking International Day, Secretary-General Urges All Countries to Ratify Montreal Protocol’s Kigali Amendment, ‘Build a World’ Where All Can Thrive

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, observed 16 September:

The international treaties to protect the ozone layer have made a dramatic and measurable difference to protecting people and planet.  They show the power of multilateralism.  And they should inspire hope that, together, we can avert the worst of climate change and build a sustainable and resilient world.

Limiting the rise in global temperature to 1.5°Celsius is still possible if we immediately and drastically accelerate climate action.  I have proposed a Climate Solidarity Pact and an Acceleration Agenda to help achieve this.  I urge all leaders to work together to put them into effect, and to support these efforts by getting behind the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and limiting planet-heating hydrofluorocarbons.

Fully ratifying and implementing the Kigali Amendment could avoid up to 0.5°C of warming by 2100.  Combining the transition away from planet-heating gases with energy efficiency measures in cooling equipment could double this figure.

I call on all countries to ratify the Amendment.  And I urge Governments, along with business leaders, civil society, academia, youth groups, local communities and others to intensify efforts to bring about real change and to ensure developing countries have the support they need to do so.

Let’s harness the spirit of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol to build a world where humans, nature and the planet thrive together.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21927.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

SG/SM/21926

6 SEPTEMBER 2023

Climate Breakdown Has Begun with Hottest Summer on Record, Secretary-General Warns, Calling on Leaders to ‘Turn Up the Heat Now’ for Climate Solutions

The following statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today:

The dog days of summer are not just barking, they are biting.

Our planet has just endured a season of simmering — the hottest summer on record.  Climate breakdown has begun.

Scientists have long warned what our fossil fuel addiction will unleash.  Our climate is imploding faster than we can cope with extreme weather events hitting every corner of the planet.

Surging temperatures demand a surge in action.  Leaders must turn up the heat now for climate solutions.  We can still avoid the worst of climate chaos — and we don’t have a moment to lose.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21926.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

SG/SM/21925

5 SEPTEMBER 2023

Africa Can Be ‘at Heart of a Renewable Future’, Says Secretary-General in Remarks to Nairobi Climate Summit

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Africa Climate Summit, in Nairobi today:

An injustice burns at the heart of the climate crisis, and its flame is scorching hopes and possibilities here in Africa.  This continent accounts for less than 4 per cent of global emissions.  Yet it suffers some of the worst effects of rising global temperatures:  extreme heat, ferocious floods and tens of thousands dead from devastating droughts.

The blow inflicted on development is all around with growing hunger and displacement.  Shattered infrastructure.  Systems stretched to the limit.  All aggravated by climate chaos not of your making.

It is still possible to avoid the worst effects of climate change.  But only with a quantum leap in climate action.  The people of Africa — and people everywhere — need action to respond to deadly climate extremes.

First — we need far greater climate ambition, with countries hitting fast-forward and massively accelerating action to limit temperature rises and impacts.  And the largest emitters must lead the charge in line with my Climate Solidarity Pact and Acceleration Agenda.

And here from Africa, I make a very strong appeal to the large emitters, the G20 countries that are responsible for 80 per cent of the emissions that will be meeting this week in Delhi.  Assume your responsibilities.

Developed countries must commit to reaching net-zero emissions as close as possible to 2040 — and large emerging economies as close as possible to 2050, with support from developed countries to do so.

And it’s time to break our addiction to fossil fuels and invest in a just and equitable transition.  We need to see credible plans to exit coal by 2030 for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries — and by 2040 for the rest of the world.

We need ambitious renewable energy goals in line with the 1.5°C limit.  And we must bring affordable electricity to everyone on Earth — particularly in Africa — while simultaneously reaching net-zero electricity by 2035 in developed countries and 2040 elsewhere.

Second — reaching these targets requires climate justice.  Developed countries must present a clear and credible road map to double adaptation finance by 2025 as a first step towards devoting at least half of all climate finance to adaptation.

They must also keep their promise to provide $100 billion a year to developing countries for climate support and fully replenish the Green Climate Fund.  All countries must also operationalize the loss and damage fund proposed at the twenty-eighth United Nations Climate Change Conference this year.

Every person on Earth must be covered by an early warning system by 2027 — by implementing the Action Plan we launched last year.  Six out of every 10 Africans currently lack access to these systems.  The Early Warning for All Africa Action Plan launched yesterday under the leadership of the African Union will be critical to addressing this need.

More broadly, we need a course correction in the global financial system so that it supports accelerated climate action in the context of sustainable development.  We can’t achieve one without the other.

This means an international financial system that is able to provide an effective debt-relief mechanism that supports payment suspensions, longer lending terms, and lower rates.  And it means re-capitalizing and changing the business model of multilateral development banks so they can massively leverage private finance at affordable rates to help developing countries build truly sustainable economies.

The global financial system must be reformed to be an ally of developing countries as they turbocharge a just and equitable green transition that leaves no one behind.

Which brings me to my third point — making Africa a world leader in renewable energy and green growth.

This continent is rich in renewable energy potential.  Africa is home to 30 per cent of the mineral reserves that are critical to renewable and low-carbon technologies like solar power, electric vehicles and battery storage.

Of course, we must not repeat the mistakes of the past.  To truly benefit all Africans, the production and trade of these critical minerals must be sustainable, transparent and just across every link of the supply chain, with maximum added value produced within African countries.

African leadership is also helping to generate innovative green economies anchored in renewable power.  From the Greater Horn of Africa, where over 85 per cent of electricity generation comes from renewables, including massive hydropower projects in Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan.  To wind and solar projects in Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco.  To Mozambique, which gets nearly 100 per cent of its energy from green and sustainable sources.  To the increased installation of large-scale solar projects — including in South Sudan.

At the same time, Africa is home to 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources — but only 2 per cent of global investments in renewable energy over the last two decades.  Now is the time to bring together African countries with developed countries, financial institutions and technology companies to create a true African Renewable Energy Alliance.

With adequate access to financial resources at a reasonable cost and technological support, renewables could dramatically boost economies, grow new industries, create jobs and drive development — including by reaching the over 600 million Africans living without access to power.

Renewable energy could be the African miracle, but we must make it happen.  We must all work together for Africa to become a renewable energy superpower.

Just as the injustices of climate change burn fiercely here in Africa, so do the opportunities.  I’m convinced that Africa can be at the heart of a renewable future.

This Summit and the solutions being discussed here represent a big step forward.  But your countries must not be alone in this journey.

At the end of this month, I will hold, on the way to the twenty-eighth United Nations Climate Change Conference, a Climate Ambition Summit to summon the world’s attention and committed action to climate change and the need to support developing countries as they transition to a renewable future.

Ambition in mitigation must be in parallel with ambition in climate justice.  Now is the time for all countries to stand as one in defence of our only home.  Let’s deliver the climate justice that Africans, the world, and the planet we share demand and deserve.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

 

AFRICA

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21925.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

30 AUGUST 2023

Protection of Schools, Education Must Be Ensured for Millions of Children, Youth in Crises, Armed Conflict, Secretary-General Stresses on International Day

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, observed 9 September:

Education is not only a fundamental human right, but a pathway to a better future for every person, and a more peaceful, understanding world.

On the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, we shine a light on a startling truth:  224 million children and young people are in urgent need of educational support — including 72 million who are out of school altogether — because of crises like armed conflict.

Attacks on students, teachers, educational personnel and schools are becoming all-too-common, cruelly disrupting young learners’ education and inflicting untold psychological and physical damage that can last a lifetime.

I call on all countries to ensure the protection of schools, children and teachers at all times.

I also urge all countries to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration, support the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, and join the Global Initiative: Partnership for Transformative Actions in Crisis Situations that brings together partners to ensure children and young people can keep learning in times of crisis.

Together, we can ensure that schools are havens of safety and learning for every child, no matter where they live.

OFFICIAL OBSERVANCES

 

CHILDREN

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21919.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

SG/SM/21904

11 AUGUST 2023

Secretary-General Welcomes Successful Removal of Oil from FSO Safer to Yemen Replacement Vessel, Avoiding Environmental, Humanitarian Catastrophe

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General welcomes the news that the ship-to-ship transfer of oil from the FSO Safer to the Yemen replacement vessel has been safely concluded today, avoiding what could have been a monumental environmental and humanitarian catastrophe. 

The Secretary-General reaffirms the United Nations commitment to successfully complete this project, including through the delivery of a specialized buoy to which the replacement vessel will be safely and securely tethered.  He expresses his gratitude to the Yemeni authorities whose support has been critical to its success.  Additional funding will be needed to finish the project and remove any remaining environmental threat to the Red Sea.

The Secretary-General thanks the many countries, corporate and philanthropic donors as well as ordinary citizens who contributed funding for the project. 

The Secretary-General urges donors to contribute funds at this crucial time to conclude this operation.

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21904.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

SG/SM/21893

27 JULY 2023

Press Conference by Secretary-General António Guterres at United Nations Headquarters

Following is the transcript of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ press conference on climate and the situation in Niger, in New York today:

Secretary-General:  A very good morning.  Humanity is in the hotseat.  Today, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the European Commission’s Copernicus Climate Change Service are releasing official data that confirms that July is set to be the hottest month ever recorded in human history.  We don’t have to wait for the end of the month to know this.  Short of a mini-Ice Age over the next days, July will shatter records across the board.

According to the data released today, July has already seen the hottest three-week period ever recorded; the three hottest days on record; and the highest-ever ocean temperatures for this time of year.  The consequences are clear and they are tragic: children swept away by monsoon rains; families running from the flames; workers collapsing in scorching heat.

For vast parts of North America, Asia, Africa and Europe, it is a cruel summer.  For the entire planet, it is a disaster.  And for scientists, it is unequivocal — humans are to blame.  All this is entirely consistent with predictions and repeated warnings.  The only surprise is the speed of the change.  Climate change is here.  It is terrifying.  And it is just the beginning.

The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.  The air is unbreathable.  The heat is unbearable.  And the level of fossil-fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable. Leaders must lead.  No more hesitancy.  No more excuses.  No more waiting for others to move first.  There is simply no more time for that.

It is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C and avoid the very worst of climate change.  But, only with dramatic, immediate climate action. We have seen some progress.  A robust rollout of renewables.  Some positive steps from sectors, such as shipping. But, none of this is going far enough or fast enough.  Accelerating temperatures demand accelerated action.

We have several critical opportunities ahead.  The Africa Climate Summit.  The G20 [Group of 20] Summit.  The UN Climate Ambition Summit.  COP28 [twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change].  But leaders — and particularly G20 countries responsible for 80 per cent of global emissions — must step up for climate action and climate justice. What does that mean in practice? 

First, emissions.  We need ambitious new national emissions reduction targets from G20 members.  And we need all countries to take action in line with my Climate Solidarity Pact and Acceleration Agenda:  Hitting fast-forward so that developed countries commit to reach net-zero emissions as close as possible to 2040, and emerging economies as close as possible to 2050, with support from developed countries to do so.

And all actors must come together to accelerate a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewables — as we stop oil and gas expansion, and funding and licensing for new coal, oil and gas. Credible plans must also be presented to exit coal by 2030 for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and 2040 for the rest of the world. Ambitious renewable energy goals must be in line with the 1.5°C limit.  And we must reach net-zero electricity by 2035 in developed countries and 2040 elsewhere, as we work to bring affordable electricity to everyone on earth.

We also need action from leaders beyond Governments. I urge companies, as well as cities, regions and financial institutions, to come to the Climate Ambition Summit with credible transition plans that are fully aligned with the United Nations’ net zero standard, presented by our High-Level Expert Group.

Financial institutions must end their fossil fuel lending, underwriting and investments and shift to renewables instead.  And fossil fuel companies must chart their move towards clean energy, with detailed transition plans across the entire value chain: No more greenwashing.  No more deception.  And no more abusive distortion of anti-trust laws to sabotage net zero alliances.

Second, adaptation.  Extreme weather is becoming the new normal.  All countries must respond and protect their people from the searing heat, fatal floods, storms, droughts and raging fires that result. Those countries on the front lines — who have done the least to cause the crisis and have the least resources to deal with it — must have the support they need to do so.

It is time for a global surge in adaptation investment to save millions of lives from climate [carnage.]  That requires unprecedented coordination around the priorities and plans of vulnerable developing countries.  Developed countries must present a clear and credible roadmap to double adaptation finance by 2025 as a first step towards devoting at least half of all climate finance to adaptation.  Every person on earth must be covered by an early warning system by 2027 — by implementing the Action Plan we launched last year.  And countries should consider a set of global goals to mobilize international action and support on adaptation.

That leads to the third area for accelerated action — finance. Promises made on international climate finance must be promises kept.  Developed countries must honour their commitments to provide $100 billion a year to developing countries for climate support and fully replenish the Green Climate Fund.  I am concerned that only two G7 [Group of Seven] countries — Canada and Germany — have made until now replenishment pledges.  Countries must also operationalize the loss and damage fund at COP28 this year.  No more delays; no more excuses.

More broadly, many banks, investors and other financial actors continue to reward polluters and incentivize wrecking the planet.  We need a course correction in the global financial system so that it supports accelerated climate action.  That includes putting a price on carbon and pushing the multilateral development banks to overhaul their business models and approaches to risk.

We need the multilateral development banks leveraging their funds to mobilize much more private finance at reasonable cost to developing countries — and scaling up their funding to renewables, adaptation and loss and damage.  In all these areas, we need Governments, civil society, business and others working in partnership to deliver.  I look forward to welcoming first-movers and doers on the Acceleration Agenda to New York for the Climate Ambition Summit in September.  And to hearing how leaders will respond to the facts before us. This is the price of entry.

The evidence is everywhere: humanity has unleashed destruction. This must not inspire despair, but action.  We can still stop the worst.  But to do so we must turn a year of burning heat into a year of burning ambition.  And accelerate climate action – now.......

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21893.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

Secretary-General Urges Action to Build Better World While Marking Nelson Mandela International Day, Stating “Let Us Be Animated by His Spirit of Humanity”

10 JULY 2023

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for Nelson Mandela International Day, observed on 18 July:

Nelson Mandela was a colossus of courage and conviction.  A leader of immense achievement and extraordinary humanity.  A giant of our times, whose legacy we best honour through action:  action to expel the poison of racism, discrimination and hate; action to extinguish the legacies of colonialism; and action to promote equality, human rights, and above all, justice.

Today, poverty, hunger and inequality are on the rise.  Countries are drowning in debt.  The climate crisis is destroying the lives of those who have done the least to cause it, and our unfair and outdated international financial system is not fulfilling its function as a global safety net.

We have it in our power to solve each of these problems.  So, as we commemorate Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy, let us be animated by his spirit of humanity, dignity and justice. Let us stand with women and girls, young people and change-makers everywhere.  And let us take action to build a better world.  Thank you.

OFFICIAL OBSERVANCES

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21869.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

Skilling Teachers, Trainers, Youth Essential to Shape Better, More Sustainable Future for All, Secretary-General Stresses in Observance Message

SG/SM/21868

10 JULY 2023

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Youth Skills Day, observed on 15 July:

In every corner of the world, young people face a whirlwind of change — technological advancements, a rapidly changing job market, demographic shifts, climate challenges and learning losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Equipping young people with quality education, training and skills is essential.  This World Youth Skills Day reminds us that teachers stand at the forefront of this great global effort.

We must ensure that teachers gain the education and professional development opportunities they need as they help young people make the transition from school to the workplace.  I recently launched the High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession to provide recommendations to help achieve this.

And we need to dramatically scale up investment in education and training systems and technologies worldwide so teachers can provide inclusive and flexible learning opportunities for young people no matter where they live.

Humanity’s future depends on the boundless energy, ideas and contributions of young people.  On this day, and every day, let’s stand with teachers as they, in turn, help young people gain the education and skills required to shape a better, more sustainable future for us all.

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21868.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode