Science Critical to Promoting Low-Carbon Economy, Transforming Our World, Secretary-General Tells Advisory Board

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the fourth meeting of the Secretary-General’s scientific advisory board, in Saint Petersburg today:

Your Excellency Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation,
Dr. Vladimir Fortov, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences,
Distinguished Members of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization],
Distinguished Chairperson and members of the scientific advisory board,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

As you meet, the world is on the cusp of a new future.

Leaders have just adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Negotiators have met in Paris to reach a new climate change agreement.

Action is essential to rise to global challenges.

We need science to end poverty, promote a low-carbon economy and transform our world.  That is why your work is so important.  You can offer advice on how to tackle global problems by harnessing the power of science.

We especially need to focus on how science can help the poor and end inequality.  And we must do this through international cooperation.

Give us your insights.  Look to the future.  Anticipate trends.  Confront problems — and offer solutions.

In this spirit, I wish you great success.