To fight terrorism and to prevent violent extremism are fundamental priorities for the African Union, for the [United Nations], for Africa and for the world.

 
Your Excellency, Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta,
  President of the Republic of Kenya,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
I thank the Government of Kenya for helping the United Nations organize this landmark conference.
 
To begin, I would like to honour the tens of thousands of African victims of terrorism and to express solidarity with African countries that have suffered terrorist attacks that shock with their barbarity and disregard for human life.
 
Kenya itself has endured numerous terrorist attacks. 
 

I am pleased to greet this First Universal Assembly of UN-Habitat as you discuss ways to improve the quality of life in cities and communities.
 
Your gathering comes at an important juncture.
 
About sixty percent of the urban infrastructure needed by 2030 is yet to be built.
 
That creates great opportunities.
 
Well-planned and managed cities can steer us towards inclusive growth and sustainable, low-emission development.
 

Your Excellency Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya,
Your Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic,
Your Excellency Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, Interim President of the World Bank,
Excellencies, distinguished guests and partners, ladies and gentlemen, 
 
I thank Presidents Macron and Kenyatta for bringing us here today.
 
2018 was a record-breaking year for all the wrong reasons.
 
It was the fourth warmest year on record.
 

We have the right to live in a clean environment.  We expect to be able to eat, drink and breathe without risking our health.  Yet, we continue to pollute our air, land, waterways and oceans.  We trigger sand and dust storms due to climate change and environmental degradation.  We use dangerous chemicals and substances in everyday objects.  We inflict global suffering that is inexcusable, preventable and reversible.
 

Thank you to all participants at this UN-Habitat Governing Council for your commitment to a more sustainable future.