Secretary-General Video Message Celebrates Third Annual ‘Belt and Road’ Event, Urging Cities Worldwide Make Green Future Reality

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the third annual Bridge for Cities-Belt and Road Initiative:  Developing Green Economies for Cities event, in Vienna today:

I am pleased to greet the third annual Bridge for Cities event.  Together, across the world, we have embarked on the crucially important work of building more sustainable and prosperous cities.

The Belt and Road Initiative is an important part of that effort.  Our vision is clear.  We want the cities of the future to be inclusive, safe, dynamic and resilient.  Places that foster job growth and innovation […] and where the air is clean, energy is renewable and waste is being reduced and recycled.

Around the world, cities of the present are taking action to make this greener future a reality.  I count on their continued leadership — and I encourage all of you to think creatively and ambitiously to help us achieve a more sustainable future on a healthy planet.  Thank you.