United Nations Secretary-General António GuterresProgress on ending the climate crisis, inequality and the harmful impacts of new technology is “slipping” and intervention is needed, the UN chief said.
He noted that the adoption of the Compact for the Future adopted on Sunday was an essential first step: “The work begins today,” Mr. Guterres said.Pacts for the future are about action here and now“ .
Finance and climate
Secretary-General Guterres said G20 countries need to work together to achieve a more sustainable world by taking action to reform the international financial system and tackle the climate crisis.
“We need ambitious reforms to the international financial architecture to make it fully representative. of today’s global economy, thus it can provide strong support to implement Sustainable Development GoalsMr. Guterres said.
The UN Secretary-General also called for stronger action on the rising debt burden and financial system, thereby reducing the costs of inequality facing many communities.
Action is also needed to tackle the climate crisis as 2024 sees record-breaking temperatures and devastating weather events.
The obvious solution, according to the Secretary-General, is to reduce fossil fuel use and switch to renewable energy.
“Clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies outside China and India has barely grown since 2015“The energy transition must be based on justice and equity, so that all countries benefit,” said Mr. Guterres.
Global organizations include
Mr. Guterres also called for the creation of inclusive global institutions that can “address the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
Stronger reforms could be achieved with fair and representative governance, he said.
“The Future Compact includes commitments to make multilateral institutions more representative, more effective, more transparent and more accountable,” Mr. Guterres said.
Commitment to cooperation
The UN Secretary-General concluded his message to G20 ministers by reminding members that the UN is committed to “strengthening our convening role as an inclusive platform for dialogue and action” in part by holding summits in 2025 that facilitate effective dialogue.
“I call on the G20 to seize every opportunity to raise its global leadership ambition and transformative action for a safer, more peaceful and more sustainable world for all,” he said.
