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As the world observes the tenth anniversary of both the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the pivotal Paris Agreement, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed addressed the significant advancements recognized over the past decade alongside acknowledging the pressing challenges that continue to impede progress.
Assessing a Decade of Progress and Ongoing Challenges
During her address at the Partnership for Growth Summit (P4G), held in Hanoi, Vietnam, Mohammed reflected on the notable headway made since the adoption of both the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. However, she also highlighted the critical reality that global goals remain unfulfilled.
“At this moment, there are still 750 million individuals without access to electricity, and two billion lack clean cooking methods,” she noted, adding that rising air pollution from fossil fuel emissions poses risks, particularly to children everywhere.
Finding Hope Amid the Challenges
Despite the troubling figures, Mohammed expressed a sense of optimism, inspired by Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s philosophy: “Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.”
She identified three avenues for hope:
Global Commitment: The active participation of governments, businesses, investors, and civil society at the summit highlighted a united determination to forge sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities.
Collaboration: Projects such as the Just Energy Transition Partnerships and P4G’s public-private partnerships showcase how collective efforts can revitalize energy, water, and food systems.
Economic Imperatives: The financial incentives of addressing climate change are clear; investments in climate adaptation can yield returns as high as tenfold. She also pointed to the dramatic cost reductions seen in renewable energy sources like wind and solar, highlighting their status as the cheapest new electricity sources available in numerous markets.
The Economic Imperative for Climate Action
Mohammed stressed the stark economic consequences of climate-related disasters, which resulted in $320 billion in damages globally within the past year. She pointed out that while the climate crisis is straining developmental resources, it also provides a strong economic rationale for embracing climate action.
“Last year saw renewables contribute to 92.5 percent of all new power capacities introduced globally, with clean energy surpassing 40 percent of worldwide electricity generation for the first time,” she reported.
Vietnam: A Model for Clean Energy Leadership
In her remarks regarding Vietnam, Mohammed commended the nation for its proactive approach to clean energy, emphasizing its strategic transition away from coal as a vital measure against climate change and a step towards a more equitable future. She characterized this phase as a “rare opportunity” to pave the way for an economic transformation that prioritizes energy access and sustainability while building disaster-resilient communities.
Urgent Call to Action
In concluding her address, Mohammed urged government officials to hasten the implementation of effective solutions and advocate for smart policies and reforms across all sectors. She highlighted the critical nature of the upcoming round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—the national frameworks for climate action—asserting their importance in aligning energy policies with climate objectives.
“Investment is fundamental,” she emphasized, revealing the need for approximately $2.4 trillion annually to flow to emerging economies outside China by 2030 to maintain the 1.5-degree Celsius limit necessary for sustainable development and climate goals.
Speaking directly to leaders from corporate, financial, and civil sectors, Mohammed called for a continued spirit of innovation, collaboration, and the establishment of new partnerships to mobilize capital on a large scale. She encouraged them to view challenges as opportunities and to propel substantial investments supporting climate initiatives.
In her final remarks, Mohammed reiterated the United Nations’ unwavering support for global efforts aimed at fostering a collectively prosperous future. “The United Nations stands ready to support your efforts every step of the way and keep the hope of a more prosperous future for all alive,” she concluded.
Source
news.un.org