Ladies and Gentlemen,

Before I begin, allow me to say a few words about the passing of Fidel Castro Ruz, the former President of Cuba.

Allow me to say some words in Spanish and then in English.

En nombre de las Naciones Unidas yo ofrezco mis mas sinceras condolencias al pueblo de Cuba y a la familia del fallecido lider Cubano Fidel Castro Ruz, particularmente al Presidente Raul Castro Ruz. En este momento de duelo nacional ofrezco al pueblo de la Isla el apoyo firme de las Naciones Unidas para continuar trabajando juntos.

In English. On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my deepest condolences to the Cuban people and to the family of former President Fidel Castro Ruz, particularly to President Raul Castro Ruz. At this time of national mourning, I offer the support of the United Nations to work alongside the people of the island.

I vividly recall meeting the former President Fidel Castro when I visited Cuba in January 2014. It was a lively discussion that covered developments around the world as well as sustainable development and climate change.

Under former President Castro, Cuba made advances in the fields of education, literacy and health. I hope Cuba will continue to advance on a path of reform and greater prosperity.

Thank you. Muchas gracias.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to be at this important Global Sustainable Transport Conference.
I thank the President, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the Government and people of Turkmenistan for their warm welcome.

Indeed, my arrival yesterday evening was at Ashgabat’s new airport with its impressive falcon shape, symbolising Turkmenistan’s commitment to enhance international transport networks.

Earlier today, President Berdimuhamedov and I opened the new United Nations House. It is a powerful symbol of the strong partnership between Turkmenistan and the United Nations.

This is my third visit to Turkmenistan – and my final one as Secretary-General.

Wherever I go I seek to discuss efforts to advance all three pillars of the United Nations, peace, development and human rights.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a compact between governments and their people. It rightly calls for respect for human rights, accountable institutions and space for civil society.

Protection of human rights is a fundamental requirement for progress. This is the moral obligation of all governments – and it is the surest way to empower people to build lasting peace and prosperity.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This Conference comes at a moment of great potential.

The Paris Agreement on climate change entered into force on November 4th– far more rapidly than many people thought possible.

There is good momentum for implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable transport plays a crucial role in advancing these efforts.

Turkmenistan is leading by example, with investments in major projects across the country.

Sustainable transport can help create jobs, cut poverty, open access to markets, empower women and promote the well-being of other vulnerable groups. It is also critical to fighting climate change, reducing air pollution and improving safety on the roads.

That is why we see so many dynamic participants here from governments, the private sector and civil society. They are forging partnerships and announcing new commitments.

I welcome these initiatives – and I have asked our UN team to follow-up.

Let me also express my gratitude for the work of my High-level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport.

When transport is sustainable, it can move us to a low-carbon, high-opportunity destination, where travel is safer, the air is cleaner and the planet is protected.

This will contribute to realizing our vision of a life of dignity for all.

Thank you very much.