UN Chief call to confront pandemic with urgency, to save lives & build a better future together

United Nations published this video item, entitled “UN Chief call to confront pandemic with urgency, to save lives & build a better future together” – below is their description.

Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the 31st Special Session of the General Assembly in response to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic (3-4 December 2020).

“(…) Looking ahead, the recovery from COVID-19 must address the pre-existing conditions it has exposed and exploited, from gaps in basic services to an overheated planet.

Stronger health systems and Universal Health Coverage must be a priority.

Since 2007, the World Health Organization has declared six Public Health Emergencies of International Concern.

COVID-19 will not be the last.

We must apply the lessons learned if we are to meet the responsibilities to our children and grandchildren.

Social safety nets must work for everyone. Too often, they fail precisely when they are needed most.

A new social contract between people, governments, the private sector, civil society and more, can tackle the roots of inequality with fair taxation on income and wealth, universal benefits, and opportunities for all.

As we relaunch economies, new investments must lay the groundwork for sustainable development and carbon neutrality, in line with the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

We cannot bequeath a broken planet and huge debts to future generations. The money we spend on recovery must go into building a greener, fairer future.

There is hopeful news on the climate front. A global coalition is taking shape for net zero emissions.

By early next year, countries representing more than 65 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions are likely to have committed to carbon neutrality.

This sends a clear signal to markets, investors and decision-makers: Act now to put a price on carbon; end fossil fuel subsidies; stop constructing new coal power plants; and invest in resilient infrastructure.

2021 must be a leap year – the year of a quantum leap towards net zero emissions of greenhouse gasses.

Every country should enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions well in advance of COP26 next November in Glasgow, and in line with the long-term goal of global carbon neutrality by 2050.

Adaptation is an essential component of climate action. For Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, it is an existential issue.

I appeal to developed countries to fulfil their long-standing promise to provide $100 billion annually to support developing countries in reaching our shared climate goals.

Early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure and agriculture can help avoid future losses while generating gains for biodiversity and other benefits for humankind.

We cannot separate climate action from global wellbeing, particularly biodiversity.

It is time to end the suicidal war with our planet.

2021 must be a year to address our planetary emergency.

We need a post-2020 biodiversity framework to halt the extinction crisis to be established in Kunming.

And we must see urgent action to protect and advance the health of the world’s seas and oceans.

Overfishing must stop; chemical and solid waste pollution, particularly plastics, must be drastically reduced.

We must make peace with our planet if we are to live in balance with its incredible riches.

Excellencies,

As this difficult year draws to a close, let’s resolve to take the tough, ambitious decisions and actions that will lead to better days ahead.

In a global crisis, we must meet the expectations of those we serve with unity, solidarity and coordinated multilateral global action.

I call on you to take the opportunity of this Special Session of the General Assembly to confront the COVID-19 pandemic with the urgency it demands; to save lives; and to build a better future together.

Thank you” – António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations [Excerpt]

Full remarks [as delivered]: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2020-12-03/secretary-generals-remarks-the-general-assembly-special-session-response-the-covid-19-pandemic-delivered

United Nations General Assembly Special Session on COVID-19 website: https://bit.ly/3g4wYf9

United Nations YouTube Channel

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About This Source - United Nations

The United Nations (UN) was established after World War II with the aim of preventing future wars. The organization is financed by assessed and voluntary contributions from its member states.

The UN’s chief administrative officer is the Secretary-General, currently Portuguese politician and diplomat António Guterres, who began his five year-term on 1 January 2017.

 

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