Statement
Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the Papal Encyclical by His Holiness Pope Francis
New York, 18 June 2015
The Secretary-General welcomes the papal encyclical released today by His Holiness Pope Francis which highlights that climate change is one of the principal challenges facing humanity, and that it is a moral issue requiring respectful dialogue with all parts of society. The Secretary-General notes the encyclical’s findings that there is “a very solid scientific consensus” showing significant warming of the climate system and that most global warming in recent decades is “mainly a result of human activity”.
The Secretary-General reaffirms that humanity has a significant obligation to care for and protect our common home, the planet Earth, and to show solidarity with the poorest and most vulnerable members of society who are suffering most from climate impacts. The Secretary-General therefore urges governments to place the global common good above national interests and to adopt an ambitious, universal climate agreement in Paris this year.
The Secretary-General welcomes the contributions of all religious leaders and people of influence in responding to the climate challenge and in strengthening sustainable development. He looks forward to welcoming Pope Francis at the United Nations in September to address the UN General Assembly.
Statements on 18 June 2015
- New York, 18 June 2015 - Secretary-General's message to "Chess for Dialogue" event organized by the Permanent Missions of Hungary and Ukraine [delivered by Ms. Hua Jiang, Officer-in-Charge, Department of Public Information]
- New York, 18 June 2015 - Secretary-General's remarks at the closing session of the 13th Force Commanders/Heads of Military Components Conference 2015 [as prepared for delivery]
- New York, 18 June 2015 - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the killings in Charleston, South Carolina
- Vienna, Austria, 18 June 2015 - Secretary-General's message to the Vienna Energy Forum [delivered by LI Yong, Director General of UNIDO]
- Jerusalem, 18 June 2015 - Secretary-General's video for Messenger of Peace Michael Douglas at the Genesis Prize Award Ceremony
- New York, 18 June 2015 - Secretary-General's remarks at Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict [as delivered]