In Video Message for Climate Change Week NYC, Secretary-General Urges ‘the Promise’ of Paris Agreement to Be Realized, Entered into Force

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for Climate Week NYC, in New York today:

Dear friends, this will be my final Climate Week NYC as Secretary-General.  I congratulate The Climate Group for hosting this event every year since 2009 to accelerate climate solutions from all sectors of society.

The adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement last December was a historic moment in our effort to create a safer, more equitable and prosperous world for all.  Governments, the private sector and civil society came together to achieve something that none could achieve on their own.

But, our work is only just beginning.  The global thermostat continues to rise.  Each month brings further evidence of devastating climate impacts.  We must ensure the Paris Agreement enters into force as early as possible this year.  To that end, I am hosting a high-level event at the United Nations during Climate Week to give countries an international platform for legally joining the Agreement.

We have to move quickly from aspiration to action.  Climate action is essential for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.  I count on you to do all you can to realize the promise of Paris — at work, in the marketplace, in the polling booth, in your communities and your homes.  Together, we can rise to the climate challenge.  I thank you for your commitment, and wish you a successful Climate Week NYC.