Environmental issues and sustainable development

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ closing remarks to the United Nations 2023 Water Conference, in New York today:

United Nations humanitarian partners in Somalia have reported an early start to the country’s annual rainy season, which has brought flash floods, killing 14 people, destroying property and displacing thousands. The rains also come amid several disease outbreaks, including cholera, which are now likely to increase.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported today that they have initiated steps to help the country address potential challenges from the onset of this year’s rainy season.

Transboundary water management cooperation is a critical element in all forms of sustainable development — from conquering water scarcity and protecting biodiversity to building stronger economies and ensuring peace and security — speakers stressed today as the 2023 United Nations Water Conference held its fourth interactive dialogue.

Highlighting the nexus between water, climate change and disaster, speakers in the third interactive dialogue of the 2023 Water Conference called for renewed commitment in managing that resource and ensuring water security.

​​​​​​​Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Meteorological Day, observed today:

Against the backdrop of water scarcity and climate-induced disasters, ministers and other Government officials today called for change and concerted action on water while underscoring that resource’s importance for development, underlining the environmental dimension and spotlighting national efforts, as the 2023 United Nations Water Conference continued its second day of debates.

The World Health Organization’s new report on the effect of COVID-19 on people living with non-communicable disease said such people had difficulty accessing routine medicines and experienced disrupted treatments, thus underlining the importance of including such treatment and care into national preparedness plans responses.

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the United Nations Water Conference, in New York today:

Ensuring sustainable economic and urban development in times of worldwide and increasing water stress — as a result of climate change, pollution and unsustainable water management — is one of the most pressing issues facing the world, speakers underscored as the 2023 Water Conference held its second interactive dialogue.