‘Don’t work for climate wreckers’ UN chief tells graduates, in push to a renewable energy future |
UN Secretary General António Guterres delivered the opening address at Seton Hall University in New Jersey, one of the oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities in the United States, close to New York City.
He told the graduates that they need to be the generation that succeeds in fulfilling their aspirations Sustainable development goals The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to end extreme poverty, reduce inequality and develop new technologies that can “end disease and suffering”.
“You will succeed in replace hatred and division with reason, civil discourse and peaceful dialogue. You will succeed in building bridges of trust between people – and realizing the inherent dignity and rights we all share as human beings. You will succeed in balancing the scale of power for women and girls, so that they can build a better future for themselves and for all of us.”
Above all, he said, the graduates have fought over the obstacles posed by COVID-19 pandemic, should be the generation to address “the planetary emergency on climate change.”
‘Dead end’
Investment in fossil fuels is currently a “dead end – economically and environmentally. No amount of greenwashing or spin can change that. So we have to inform them: Accountability is coming to our future liquidators. ”
The head of the United Nations said it was time for them to act and choose their careers wisely, thanks to the benefits of higher education.
“So my message to you is very simple: does not work for climate ravages. Use your talents to propel us towards a renewable future. Thank you Seton Hall, you have the tools and talent you need.”
He told the graduates they now have an “invaluable opportunity to give back, and become the ‘servant leaders’ our world needs. ”
They are aiming for “A world rife with peril, with wars and division on a large scale, has not been seen in decades, he warned.
Crying for solutions
“Every challenge is another sign that our world is deeply fractured. As I spoke to world leaders during my travels, These wounds will not heal on their own. They call for international solutions.
“Building a better, peaceful future requires cooperation and trust, which is sorely lacking in today’s world,” said Mr. Guterres.
He tells his young audience that it’s up to you now.”Use what you’ve learned here to do something about it. To live up to your motto and face danger, go ahead in building a better future. ”
Throughout history, he said, “humanity has demonstrated that we are capable of great things. But only if we work together. Only if we overcome our differences and work in the same direction, the same goal – to lift everyone up, not just those born to be rich and favorable. “
He emphasized the virtues of goodwill, tolerance and respect, calling on fresh graduates to invest in becoming global citizens: “Be useful. Pay attention. Kind. Printed in bold. Be generous with your talents.”