SG/SM/19383

Secretary-General Urges G20 to Rally Global Community in Ensuring Climate Action Victory, Stressing, ‘Indeed, It Is a Race We Must Win’

The following statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today:

First, it reaffirmed support for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, our global blueprint for a fair globalization that leaves no one behind, and pledged to use all policy tools to achieve strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.

Second, G20 leaders stressed the need to raise ambition in the fight against climate change and expressed their very strong support for countries that are signatories to implement their commitments set out in their nationally determined contributions.  Agreement on the Paris Work Programme at COP 24 in Katowice ‑ essentially the rule book for implementation ‑ will significantly advance implementation.

Third, G20 leaders recognized the importance of a multilateral approach to trade and of reform of the World Trade Organization, and renewed their commitment to a rules-based international order.

These agreements by the leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies, which also contribute the largest share of global greenhouse gas emissions, can help rally the international community to make sure that climate change is a race we can win.  Indeed, it is a race we must win.

For information media. Not an official record.