The 17th Session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development is meeting in New York, and the opening address from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is now online. Below is a paraphrased portion of his speech that speaks to priorities, and puts a necessary emphasis on climate.
“Twenty-two years ago, the United Nations advanced the idea of sustainable development as a way of escaping from a cycle of poverty, degradation, and despair. This idea of an integrated and comprehensive approach to development remains as valid today as ever. It shows how to address the climate crisis, the food crisis and the energy crisis. It contains durable solutions to the financial crisis and global recession.
As you know, this is the year of climate change. We look to the December climate negotiations in Copenhagen to seal a deal that will enable us to pursue climate action on all fronts. A deal that covers adaptation, mitigation and the deployment of clean technologies. A deal that will reverse deforestation. A deal that will build capacity, and mobilize financial resources for developing countries.”
Among the topics that the commission is addressing are sustainable agriculture, food security, a sustainable Green Revolution in Africa, and rural development.
