Lima

12 December 2014

Secretary-General's remarks to press after meeting with Peruvian President

Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General

Buenos días.

Es un gran placer estar en el Perú una vez más, mi tercera visita como Secretario General.

Me gustaría agradecer al Presidente Ollanta Humala, al Gobierno y al pueblo del Perú por su calurosa bienvenida y hospitalidad.

[It is a great pleasure to be in Peru once again, my third visit as Secretary-General.

I would like to thank President Ollanta Humala and the Government and people of Peru for their warm welcome and hospitality.]

Ladies and gentlemen, let me speak in English.

Delegations from around the world are here in Lima for the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

I want to thank President Humala for his leadership on this critical global issue. I would also like to express my personal appreciation to the Minister of Environment of Peru, Mr. Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, who is acting as President of COP 20 [Conference of Parties], for all the effort that has gone into organizing and hosting this important global event. 

I also want to recognize and thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr.  Gonzalo Gutierrez, who has been my long-time friend and colleague.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am extremely grateful for the strong leadership shown by President Humala and his vision to work for humanity, not only for the development and progress of Peru. Now Peru, under his leadership, is doing something very important for humanity: sustainable development. We have to work closely and hard to make this world environmentally sustainable. This is what you are doing under the leadership of President Humala and I thank you.

This is my 8th COP meeting as Secretary-General of the United Nations, and I sense an optimism and momentum for action. This has never been higher in the past, and I'm very much optimistic that Lima will leave a legacy for this great success.

We have made important progress – the Green Climate Fund surpassed its $10 billion initial  capitalization goal in Lima, and negotiators will leave here well on the way to a meaningful, universal climate change agreement in Paris one year from now.  And Mr. President, I thank you for your very generous contribution of $6 million for the Green Climate Fund.

The world is facing two other big interconnected challenges at this decisive moment for sustainable development: the need to accelerate progress on the Millennium Development Goals while working together to establish a post-2015 development agenda and a new generation of sustainable development goals.

Peru has generated steady economic growth rates, while recording impressive progress on the Millennium Development Goals. The country has cut extreme poverty by half, reduced child mortality and reached almost universal primary school enrollment – both for girls and boys.

And I was very much impressed to visit a school here where the National Plan for Education for Human Rights was adopted and declared.

Of course, there remain challenges in Peru and elsewhere to address inequalities, ensure inclusive growth, deepen democracy and uphold the human rights for all.

And just now, the President has signed, and I'd like to congratulate your proclamation. As we have heard today,  the country is making important progress against drug trafficking. I recognize and encourage Peru to sustain your significant efforts to curb illicit coca cultivation and find alternative livelihoods for those living in coca-growing areas.

Once again, Mr. President, I thank you for your hospitality and leadership, and your people and your Government for your global leadership and commitment.

Muchas gracias.