Speaking on the eve of the G20 Summit there, the UN chief called on the bloc to support his initiatives to tackle climate change, sustainable development, the food crisis and worldwide energy as well as digital transformation.
The Summit took place in “the most critical, most precarious moment in generations”he told journalists.
‘Near zero’ for solutions
Geopolitical divisions are sparking new conflicts and making old ones difficult to resolve, while “people everywhere are being affected from all directions” by climate change and economic costs. cost of living increases.
“The G20 is the starting point for bridging divisions and finding answers to these crises and beyond,” he said.
When climate change is “The defining challenge of our time”The Secretary-General reminds these countries that they generate 80% of total global emissions.
Climate Solidarity Pact
He proposed creating a Climate Solidarity Pact, bringing together developed and emerging economies to combine resources and capabilities to benefit everyone on the planet.
He said he would see wealthy nations and international financial institutions provide capital and technical assistance to help emerging economies accelerate their transition to renewable energy.
This agreement will help end our dependence on fossil fuels while providing sustainable, affordable, universal energy for all.
“G20 Leaders” could make or break the Climate Solidarity Pactt which I plan to cover again tomorrow. Under this treaty, they will work even harder this decade to maintain the 1.5C limit,” Guterres said, referring to the goal of limiting global temperature rise.
‘SOS’ for SDGs
Developing countries are also unable to access the financial resources needed to achieve this Sustainable development goals (SDGs), including poverty alleviation and investment in health care and education.
He warned: “The SDGs are issuing an SOS. “Therefore, I call on the G20 economies.” through the SDG . stimulus package will provide the governments of the Southern Hemisphere with investments and liquidity, while reducing debt and restructuring. ”
Mr. Guterres noted that the majority of G20 countries are on the boards of multilateral development banks. “and so they can and must make it happen.”
A malnourished child is fed at home by his mother in a flood-ravaged village in Pakistan.
Prevent hunger and famine
The Secretary-General will also use the Summit to highlight the food and energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
The focus will be on the need for urgent action to stop hunger, and hunger is increasing in many parts of the world.
He said the United Nations-brokered agreement on Ukraine’s grain exports, as well as efforts to ensure Russian food and fertilizer access to global markets, are essential for the country. global food security.
Energy action
The Black Sea Grains Initiative has helped stabilize the market and bring down food prices, he added.
Meanwhile, continued commitment hinges on Russian access to food and fertilizers, as well as an extension of the landmark agreement, signed in July and set to expire later this week.
“In terms of energy, the war in Ukraine has clearly demonstrated the dangers of our addiction to fossil fuels. That is the best possible argument for the fastest possible transition to renewable energy,” he said.
On Saturday, the World Food Program (WFP) announced that it plans to facilitate the support of 260,000 tons of fertilizers by Russian fertilizer company Uralchem-Uralkali to the countries most in need in Africa. WFP said they are grateful for the donations and support.
The first shipment will be loaded onto a ship chartered by WFP from the Netherlands next week. It will pass through Mozambique, with Malawi as its final destination.
Fight deadly misinformation
The Secretary-General concluded by highlighting the need for leadership in digital transformation and technological “barriers”.
“Strong tech companies are running rough on human rights and individual privacy and provide platforms for deadly misinformation, in pursuit of profit,” he said.
“Let’s be clear: misinformation kills. Undermining public health kills and these are life-or-death problems.”
Mr. Guterres is proposing a direction based on the Global Digital Compact for an open, free, secure and inclusive internet.
The pact calls for global connectivity through a “people-centred digital space” where freedom of expression and privacy are protected, and promotes the safe use of data. and responsible.
The head of the United Nations has also called for a global code of conduct to promote integrity in public communication and information literacy.
