Paris

04 December 2015

UN Secretary-General's Remarks at Summit for Local Leaders [As prepared for delivery]

Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General

I thank Mayor Hidalgo for hosting this important event, along with my Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change, Mr. Michael Bloomberg.

Let me first express my solidarity with the people of Paris.

Last month’s brutal terrorist attacks are appalling crimes against a city and nation known for tolerance and civilization.

They only serve to deepen our resolve to build a safer, more equitable and sustainable future. 

This is a future in which we also live in harmony with our natural environment.

That is why we must do all we can to minimize the changes to our climate that are causing instability and grave harm to people around the world.

We are here tonight to celebrate the tremendous leadership of mayors and local leaders from all regions who are taking bold steps to build climate-friendly, resilient cities and provinces.

Your efforts enable your citizens to reduce their carbon footprint, breathe cleaner air and live more healthy lives.

Here in Paris, the world’s governments are meeting to adopt an ambitious, meaningful global climate change agreement. 

You are essential to this effort

The commitments made here will be implemented in the provinces, regions, states and cities that you lead. 

You know, from the ground up, how important it is to translate words into action.

Your example can inspire national governments to act more boldly.

Since my Climate Summit last year, you have formed a remarkable number of alliances that are accelerating and scaling up climate commitments.

They include the Compact of Mayors, the Covenant of Mayors, the Compact of States and Regions, the Under2MOU, the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance, and the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance. 

I am pleased to receive this Summit Declaration, which commits local authorities to reduce emissions, scale up plans to protect your cities, regions and citizens from climate impacts and support the global transition to clean energy.

Recognizing all that you have achieved, and desiring to keep the momentum, I will be announcing tomorrow a Climate Action 2016 summit.

I expect local leaders to play a central role, and I thank Mayor Hidalgo and Mr. Bloomberg for their leadership in this endeavour.

Here in Paris you have deepened your commitment to expand partnerships for climate action.

You are taking your leadership to a new level of cooperation and innovation.

I commend your initiative, and encourage you to go still further.

Ask your fellow local leaders to do the same.

Your leadership and commitments will be even more important in 2016.

You are the ones who will help turn this global agreement into reality on the ground. 

Here in this great “City of Light,” I urge you to continue to shine a light on a more sustainable future.

Thank you.