Ban Ki-moon calls for leadership to ensure zero-emissions future at the Sustainable Innovation Forum

8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, and investors to create a healthy, resilient, and zero-emissions future.

This speech was delivered virtually on the 16 Novemember at the 11th edition of the Sustainable Innovation Forum, hosted by Climate Action.

Ban Ki-moon started his speech by highlighing: "We must not pause our action on climate change. The climate emergency remains one of the greatest existential threats facing humanity."

"We stand at a crossroads," he continued.

Day 1 of the Sustainable Innovation Forum, a 5 day programme taking place from the 16-20 November, welcomed the 8th UN Secretary-General to give an important call to action to the global audience.

Each year, the Forum runs alongside the UNFCCC's COP, playing a key role in facilitating the connections that forge the cross sectors partnerships required to address the global climate emergency and accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy.

Despite COP26 being delayed this year to 2021, Ban Ki-moon warned that we must still take this chance to make key decisions that will impact our future.

"The science tells us that the window of opportunity to address climate change is closing. While COP26 in Glasgow has been delayed, our action must not be. We have a chance in the economic recovery from COVID-19 to encourage leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, and investors to create a healthy, resilient, and zero-emissions future."

Ban Ki-moon ended the speech highlighting his hope for the future: "The climate crisis is not just a crisis for the climate. Without adequate collective action, we risk unravelling decades of hard-earned progress on improving global health, tackling poverty and reducing inequalities. But, if we get things right, we can steer a sustainable and inclusive global recovery for all."

To watch Ban Ki-moon's full Call to Action, and to get access to all of the content from the Sustainable Innovation Forum, register for free here.