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Ban urges global leaders gathered at UN to "shape the world of tomorrow"
21.09.2011 09:24 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) —
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told world leaders gathered at United Nations Headquarters today for the General Assembly’s annual high-level debate that they face critical choices on global issues to ensure the well-being of future generations.
«We have five imperatives - five generational opportunities to shape the world of tomorrow by the decisions we make today,» the Secretary-General said, as he presented his annual report on the work of the Organization before the start of the debate.
Mr. Ban cited sustainable development; preventing and mitigating conflicts, human rights abuses and the impacts of natural disasters; building a safer and more secure world; supporting countries in transition; and working to engage the talents of women and young people.
«The first and greatest of these is sustainable development - the imperative of the 21st century,» said the Secretary-General. «We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and women’s empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all,» admitted Ban Ki-moon.
Mr. Ban called on leaders to reach a binding climate change agreement, one with more ambitious national and global emissions targets, and to take urgent action on cutting emissions and on adaptation.
The peoples of the world - soon to be 7 billion strong - are looking to the leaders gathered today, said Mr. Ban. «They need solutions. They demand leadership. They want us to act. To act with compassion, courage and conviction. To act in concert - nations united at the United Nations.»
After Mr. Ban’s remarks, General Assembly President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser addressed the gathering, followed by the first speakers in the annual general debate.
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