Making the United Nations Relevant to all People– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Mrs. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly
14 February 2019
Excellencies,
I am honored to welcome you to this briefing with the presence of Ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba, Special Envoy of the Secretary General for the Climate Summit 2019, in which we will address the preparations for the High Level Meeting on Climate and Sustainable Development for All on March 28 and the Climate Action Summit on September 23, including the stocktaking meeting that will be held on the United Arab Emirates next June.
Climate change is a priority that we share with the Secretary General. I am sure that it is also a priority for all Member States. It is, as we have emphasized, an issue that will define our present and our future.
Although we have made significant progress in the climate agenda, as reflected by the conclusion of COP24 and the finalization of the Paris Agreement Work Programme, it is clear that we are still far behind. We must double our efforts to guarantee the success of the next COP25 that will be held in Chile.
We have confirmed, through abundant scientific information, that climate change is accelerating faster that our efforts to address it. If we do not double our efforts and increase our ambition, the world will not achieve the Paris Agreement targets under the current state of affairs.
Therefore, we must translate the Paris Agreement Work Programme -or rulebook- into concrete actions. In fact, the UN Environment Emissions Gap Report estimates that five times the current level of ambition is needed to reach the targets.
Thus, 2019 will be decisive. This is one of the final opportunities that we will have to confirm our commitment to climate action.
This becomes even more critical as we near the first milestones of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, out of which two thirds depend on environmental action.
Dear delegates,
The climate events that will be discussed today share two objectives: enhancing our commitment and increasing the national levels of ambition and ensuring inclusivity.
In this respect, we are committed to ensure that the two processes are complementary, build on one another and continue to be consistent.
The High Level Meeting on Climate and Sustainable Development for All gives us the opportunity to build off the success of COP24 and significantly contribute to the Climate Action Summit of the Secretary General.
Likewise, pursuant to resolution 72/219 of the General Assembly, the High Level Meeting will employ an intergenerational and synergy approach with the 2030 Agenda.
The one-day event will be composed of an opening segment, a high level plenary, leader roundtables, two panels and a closing ceremony.
This, in line with my objective of making the UN relevant for all, will offer a specific participation space for youths, elders, NGOs, the private sector, the academia and civil society. Our objective is to ensure, together with Member States, the broadest participation possible.
By employing an intergenerational lens and involving young people -whose future is jeopardized the most by climate change- we will strengthen long term support and galvanize the power of this very powerful, eager and innovative group for the climate agenda.
The two interactive discussion panels on “Synergies between Climate and the SDGs” and “Means of Implementation” will provide the space and time to examine the interlinkages between climate change and the 2030 Agenda.
The roundtables, which will be held during lunch, will be a suitable space for the coalitions that will be convened for the Climate Summit and also for young people and other stakeholders who will participate in the event. This way, we will establish a direct link to the path to the Climate Summit. Ambassador De Alba will provide further details on these coalitions.
Thus far, I have received a very positive response on behalf of Member States; some of them have confirmed their participation with Heads of State and Government and Ministers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank their support. Any suggestions you may have are welcome.
Multilateralism is, as many of our leaders stated during the General Debate last September, the only effective tool that we have to combat global challenges. And clearly, climate change is one of them, perhaps one of the most important.
Excellencies,
Climate change is a cross-cutting issue. The High Level Meeting is a unique opportunity to examine the role of climate action in the broader context of sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda.
As the first High Level Political Forum under the auspices of the General Assembly will take place immediately after the Climate Summit, world leaders will, for the first time, have the most suitable platform to present their initiatives and commitments. The goal is to take full advantage of the moment, the world’s attention and the convening power of the United Nations.
The roadmap will be as follows:
- The High Level event of the General Assembly on March the 28th;
- The stocktaking meeting towards the Climate Summit in Abu Dhabi, from June 30th to July 1st;
- Review of goal 13 of the 2030 Agenda in the High Level Political Forum under the auspices of ECOSOC on July;
- The Climate Change Summit, on September the 23rd; and,
- The High Level Political Forum, under the auspices of the General Assembly on September 24-25, 2019.
These events will help us promote and also contribute to the COP25 and achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda that must be met by 2020.
Delegates,
Our actions will not only constitute a win against climate change, but a win for multilateralism. Making meaningful progress on climate change will send a strong message to the world about the importance and the irreplaceable role of multilateralism.
Multilateralism is, as many of our leaders stated during the General Debate last September, the only effective tool that we have to combat global challenges. And clearly, climate change is one of them, perhaps one of the most important.
In closing, allow me to emphasize that the battle against climate change will not be successful if we do not have the support and the constructive engagement of all. As an old saying goes: if you want to go fast, walk alone; if you want to go far, walk together. Please, let us walk together.
I will now hand over to His Excellency, Ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba, for his presentation and the preparations for the Climate Summit.
Thank you.
