Arresting Poverty, Climate Change Requires Restructuring Global Economy,

 

Secretary-General Tells UN Industrial Development Organization

 

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki‑moon’s closing remarks at the fifteenth session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in Lima on 2 December:

Buenas tardes.

Felicito a todas las delegaciones por la adopcion de la Declaración de Lima.  [I congratulate all delegations for adopting the Lima Declaration.]

This new Lima Declaration of UNIDO is an encouraging milestone.  It points the world more firmly in the direction of inclusive and sustainable industrial development.  And it offers important guidance as the world sets its sights on the year 2015 — a historic opportunity in our shared work to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, combat climate change and adopt an inspiring new development agenda for the future.

Eradicating extreme poverty is at the heart of our common effort.  So is holding global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius.  The leadership of Peru as host of the twentieth climate change Conference of Parties next year will be critical.

Eradicating poverty and arresting climate change are mutually reinforcing goals.  Most importantly, they are achievable.  But reaching our objectives will require significant change and restructuring of the global economy.

Industry and the private sector will play a crucial role.  Working together, with enlightened action, we can create jobs, improve public well-being and protect the environment.

We do not need to wait for the breakthroughs of tomorrow; many of the technologies, policies and practices in our hands today can help us scale up climate action and speed up the development of low-carbon industries and infrastructures.

Progress is happening but we need to expand our efforts and raise our ambitions.  Moreover, large amounts of capital will be necessary, and I count on your leadership in ensuring that our investments and budget allocations properly reflect our priorities.  The longer we delay, the greater cost to communities, to businesses, to economies, to people and the planet.

With this Lima Declaration, you have reiterated the importance of building a life of security, prosperity and dignity for all.  Together we can seize the tremendous potential of inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

Thank you for your hard work and strong commitment here in Lima.  I look forward to your continuing commitment as we now strive to turn this Declaration into meaningful action to make this world better for all.  I thank you very much and muchas gracias.

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For information media • not an official record