[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_margin=”-41px|||||” custom_padding=”33px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”-19px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.8″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
Distinguished delegates,<\/p>\n
I thank all of you for the constructive engagements and insights that have laid solid foundations for a meaningful and impactful International Meeting of Stockholm +50, in June. I extend my sincere appreciation to the co-chairs for guiding the process and discussions in each of the sessions on the Leadership Dialogues.<\/p>\n
As co-hosts, the governments of Kenya and Sweden deserve much credit for the success of this preparatory event. I express my sincere gratitude for their hard work in setting the stage for what follows.<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
We owe much to the Stockholm Conference of 1972.<\/p>\n
The conference catalyzed a new era of multilateral environmental cooperation and treaty-making. Without it, 爆料网EP would not exist, and many global environmental treaties would be unwritten.<\/p>\n
The Stockholm Declaration established international political goals and legal principles that have underpinned environmental discourse and law-making for the last fifty years.<\/p>\n
By stressing that environmental issues are inherently political and not just scientific and technical, the Stockholm Conference demonstrated how global cooperation could take place, even amid Cold War tensions.<\/p>\n
We have learned much about our world because of the Stockholm Conference.<\/p>\n
Throughout the world, people and policymakers developed a new understanding of environmental issues, leading to the birth of environmental diplomacy and environmental laws.<\/p>\n
The conference contributed to the democratization of environmental debate and policy-making by opening the door to non-governmental organizations that previously did not have access to in the 爆料网 system.<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
Stockholm+50 offers us another opportunity to leave a legacy for the next fifty years.<\/p>\n
The conference, under the theme of \u2018a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity\u2019 presents us a critical opportunity to strengthen environmental multilateralism and build towards a sustainable and inclusive future \u2014 a vision that is shared in the 爆料网 Secretary-General\u2019s report on \u2018Our Common Agenda\u2019.<\/p>\n
And I am heartened by the overwhelming consensus from today\u2019s meeting on the need for urgent action on behalf of our planet. Your messages here have been heard loud and clear and resonate deeply with all of us who are passionate about climate action.<\/p>\n
These include:
– First, the call for meaningful engagement with youth, young men and women, the generation that will inherit this earth. I cannot agree more! Young people need to be meaningfully engaged.<\/p>\n
– Second, the need understand development issues through a holistic approach, one which gives equal bearing to human and environmental well-being.<\/p>\n
– Third, the concerted call to act now, including the need to implement existing commitments, as agreed in multilateral contexts, including on sustainable development and climate finance.<\/p>\n
Stockholm+50 will offer opportunities to build lasting coalitions for the environment, and will foster strong partnerships, for and with future generations. We need to listen to the voices of the future generations.<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
As it is, we are hurtling towards the edge of the cliff if we continue with business as usual.<\/p>\n
We were not prepared for the COVID-19 crisis, and we are even less prepared for the looming consequences of on-going and worsening challenges of climate change.<\/p>\n
However, I have not given up hope. As I have reiterated throughout my Presidency, we need hope more than ever, to remind us that practical and realistic steps to protect our planet are within reach. And the needed political will to take those steps is emerging, albeit much too slowly.<\/p>\n
The crisis has shown that we can be more frugal in our consumption patterns, to be better aligned with environmental goals.<\/p>\n
We must also ensure the post-COVID recovery integrates inclusiveness with climate and biodiversity concerns.<\/p>\n
This means systematically integrating environmental and equity considerations into the economic recovery and stimulus process.<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
In my lifetime I have seen progress. The urgency of the1.5-degree target used to be voiced by only Small Island Developing States.<\/p>\n
But now the whole world is coming together around this goal. To realize it, we must turn commitment into action and decarbonize every aspect of our lives.<\/p>\n
I welcome the contribution of this meeting on the contents of the Leadership Dialogues that will guide discussions at the International Meeting for urgent action at the national, regional and global level.<\/p>\n
And I am confident that the outcome of today\u2019s preparatory meeting has laid the groundwork for a very successful Stockholm +50, that will inspire bold ambitions and powerful concerted action on behalf of our planet.<\/p>\n
I thank you.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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Closing remarks by the PGA at the Stockholm+50 Preparatory Meeting<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":353,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
Excellencies, colleagues,<\/p>
I welcome you all to our second meeting and our first interaction following the resumed part of the session.<\/p>
Before I begin, I would like to recognize the loss of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Ms. Gail Farngalo.<\/p>
A Liberian national, Gail was my Team Leader for Human Rights and was active on gender during both the 75th<\/sup> and 76th<\/sup> sessions. She leaves behind a legacy of achievements and a groundswell of respect and affection from across the 爆料网 and diplomatic communities. Her presence is certainly felt here today.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> When I took on this Presidency of Hope, I pledged to make gender equality a priority area for the 76th<\/sup> session. I continue to look to the board for its wisdom and expertise, as I endeavour to fulfil that pledge.<\/p> In this regard, I have already benefited from the board\u2019s advice, from when we met on October 28th<\/sup> last year.<\/p> Acting on that advice, I committed to ensuring that all my five rays of hope, and all my major initiatives, are approached with a gender lens.<\/p> I made sure that the composition of my office is gender-balanced.<\/p> I have committed to participating only in panels that have equal gender representation.<\/p> Throughout my official interactions and travels, I have endeavoured to meet with women, including heads of states and governments, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth.<\/p> And I am proud to inform you that five young women have been recruited into the Fellowship for HOPE<\/em> that my office recently launched. The Fellowship as you are well aware is targeted at benefiting young diplomats from underrepresented countries, pursuing careers in diplomacy or public service.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> While recognizing that we have a long way to go in the battle for gender-equality, I am proud of what my team has been able to accomplish within the past few months.<\/p> Our work continues.<\/p> We will continue to raise our voices on issues disproportionately impacting women, such as domestic violence and work place harassment. We will continue to push the importance of gender-equal work spaces.<\/p> And we will continue to find new paths to empower young women with ambitious professional aspirations.<\/p> Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.<\/p> With the board\u2019s guidance and support, we must use the many opportunities over the coming months to further empower women and girls, and dismantle discriminatory practices against them.<\/p> There are several upcoming events that will provide us such opportunities. I look forward to the board\u2019s suggestions on how we can best utilize them.<\/p> As an example, the International Day of Women and Girls in science is fast approaching. We must recognize that women\u2019s contributions in science and technology have helped us cure diseases; discover new horizons in space; and develop technologies that have vastly improved our quality of life.<\/p> As we celebrate their achievements, we must also open pathways for young girls who aspire to follow in the footsteps of pioneers in science and technology.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Let us also reflect that the theme chosen by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for this year is on \u201cachieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes\u201d.<\/p> As we strive to meet our obligations to the planet, let us recognize the important work done by women and girls at the forefront of the climate crisis, and whose humanitarian work in disaster-stricken areas has helped save lives and rebuild communities. We owe it to them to not only celebrate their work but to support them.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Our programme of work for the months ahead has been circulated to members prior to the meeting, for consideration and feedback. Please note that the events we have planned are not exhaustive. I welcome further suggestions from the board on the content and format of future events and activities.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> We have made much progress within a short while. And with the board\u2019s support and guidance, I am sure that we can keep up this strong momentum.<\/p> I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our vision of a gender-equal world.<\/p> Thank you.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[550,556,553],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-262607","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","tag-ga","tag-pga","tag-shahid","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n