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Ban Ki Moon Urges World Leaders To Ratify COP21 Agreements

The United Nations has asked countries of the world to quickly ratify the historical agreement reached at the last climate change deal in Paris, in … Continue reading Ban Ki Moon Urges World Leaders To Ratify COP21 Agreements


Ban ki Moon

Ban ki MoonThe United Nations has asked countries of the world to quickly ratify the historical agreement reached at the last climate change deal in Paris, in December.

The call was made by the UN’s Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, at the World Economic Forum, in Davos.

It was his first major address at the World Economic Forum and one of his briefest speeches.

He pointed out that natural disasters have undermined the gains made in climate efforts and urged world leaders to join him in the signing of a new Earth Day in April 2016.

Concerned that leaders would make agreements without much commitment, the UN Secretary General reeled out steps to help nations achieve the goals decided at the Paris Summit.

“First, national climate plans must urgently be converted into bankable investment strategies and projects.

“Second, we must generate sufficient financing for developing countries to bypass fossil fuels and meet high energy demands with low carbon sources.

“Third, we need greater attention and resources for climate resilience.

“That is why I launched a new Climate Resilience Initiative in Paris called A2R – to anticipate risks, absorb shocks and adapt development approaches.

“Fourth, we need to rapidly increase climate actions at every level. I will work to help strengthen the action agenda and public-private partnerships.

“Fifth, governments must quickly ratify the Paris Agreement,” he said.

On his plans for a new Earth Day and the need for world leaders to finance energy projects in developing countries, he said, “I am inviting all world leaders to a signing ceremony at United Nations Headquarters on April 22nd.

“Everyone here can take at least one of these steps – and so can billions of other people.

“Let us do our part – and empower them for our common future.”

The UN Chief has also be concerned about an increasing scarcity of water in the world, a precious resource which according to him is crucial to realising the Sustainable Development Goals which aim to eradicate poverty.

While the UN says 90% of all disasters are water related and that by 2050 the world would have just 60% of the water it needs, Mr Ban has invited world leaders to join a panel that will meet regularly between now and 2018 to address the challenges.