Secretary-General Calls New Pacific Regional Data Repository Powerful Message

To World that Region Stepping up to Sustainable Energy for All Challenge

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the signing of the Declaration on Establishing a Pacific Regional Data Repository for Sustainable Energy for All, in New York, 27 September:

I welcome this important declaration.

And I thank all the leaders here for your commitment to Sustainable Energy for All.

Sustainable energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, social equity and sound environmental stewardship.

It represents opportunity for people and the planet.

We have shared goals — to hold global temperature rise below 2°C from pre-industrial levels, end poverty and advance sustainable development.

We have committed to achieving these objectives by reaching a global, legal climate agreement by 2015 and defining and implementing a post-2015 development agenda.

Sustainable energy is central to our collective efforts.

This declaration is a powerful message to the world that the Pacific region is stepping up to the challenge.

It is a testament to your leadership.

You can count on the United Nations — on me personally, as well as my Special Representative, Mr. Kandeh Yumkella — to continue to support your efforts towards Sustainable Energy for All.

Thank you.

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For information media • not an official record