Ban Ki-moon calls for leadership for a zero-emissions future at the Sustainable Innovation Forum.

At Day 1 of the Sustainable Innovation Forum, 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, and investors to create a healthy, resilient, and zero-emissions future.

8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, and investors to create a healthy, resilient, and zero-emissions future.

This speech was delivered virtually, at the 11th Sustainable Innovation Forum on 16 November 2020.

Ban Ki-moon started his speech by highlighing: "We must not pause our action on climate change. The climate emergency remains one of the greatest existential threats facing humanity."

"We stand at a crossroads."

Day 1 of the Sustainable Innovation Forum, a 5 day programme taking place from the 16-20 November, welcomed the 8th UN Secretary-General to give an important call to action. Each year, the Forum plays a key role in facilitating the connections that forge the cross sectors partnerships required to address the global climate emergency and accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy.

Ban Ki-moon continued: "The science tells us that the window of opportunity to address climate change is closing. While COP26 in Glasgow has been delayed, our action must not be. We have a chance in the economic recovery from COVID-19 to encourage leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, and investors to create a healthy, resilient, and zero-emissions future."

Ban Ki-moon ended the speech highlighting his hope for the future: "The climate crisis is not just a crisis for the climate. Without adequate collective action, we risk unravelling decades of hard-earned progress on improving global health, tackling poverty and reducing inequalities. But, if we get things right, we can steer a sustainable and inclusive global recovery for all."

To watch Ban Ki-moon's full Call to Action and to get access to all of the content from the Sustainable Innovation Forum, register for free here.

16 November 2020

Climate Action