Secretary-General, in Video Message for Awards Event, Hails Commitment

 

of UNFCCC Secretariat to Climate Change, Sustainable Development

 

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Change for Good Awards in Bonn on 11 February:

Ms. Christiana Figueres, Executive Director of the UNFCCC, dear colleagues,

During my recent visit to your offices, I was profoundly impressed by your energetic commitment to the cause of sustainable development in general and climate change in particular.  Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time and one of my top priorities.  I am therefore delighted that the Climate Change Convention Secretariat is continuously striving to increase its impact on global decision makers and the effectiveness of its operations.

The UN Secretariat established the Awards to recognize outstanding staff achievements in modernizing and strengthening the way we work and in recognition of the need to enhance sustainability.  I am pleased that you have instituted the Change for Good Awards to do the same.  I understand many good projects have been put forward in this first round of the award.

Congratulations to the winners; I look forward to many more inspiring ideas and suggestions.  Most of all, I am looking forward to working even more closely with you during this crucially important period for climate action, ambition and solutions.

Thank you.

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For information media • not an official record