UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the podium in Baku. UN Secretary-General at COP29 in Baku: “The economy will push us towards a green future” Climate and Environment
On the sidelines of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, the Secretary-General took part in a number of high-level events, including the Small Island Developing States Leaders’ Summit. In his speeches, he tried to convince world leaders of the need to act to protect humanity from the devastating effects of climate change.
“The economy will continue to push us towards a green future, and no government or business can stop it,” Antonio Guterres told coalition leaders. “But we must move much faster.”
The UN chief called for ensuring that the “green” transition reduces inequality – both within and between countries. According to him, it is necessary to continue to achieve high results – both at the Conference in Baku and after the forum. Each country must prepare and present new ambitious national action plans to combat climate change by COP-30 next year, as promised earlier. These plans must be consistent with the previously agreed goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius and put the world on the path to a rapid and fair transition from fossil fuels. According to the Secretary-General, the largest emitters – the G20 countries – must be leaders.
“Developed countries,” Antonio Guterres continued already at the Small Island States Summit, “must fulfill their commitment to double adaptation funding to at least $40 billion a year by next year. But these measures can only take us so far. Ultimately, we need fundamental reform of the financial system.”
The Pact for the Future, adopted by consensus in September, has made significant strides forward, the UN chief recalled. It calls for reform of the international financial architecture, including effective debt relief. It also commits countries to promoting incentives to achieve the SDGs at a rate of $500 billion a year.
Antonio Guterres urged conference participants to use their moral authority to demand action from others. “Demand leadership,” he said. “Demand justice. I know that together we can win.”