Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the beginning, please allow me
to express words of gratitude to our French hosts for organizing such a
historic global event here in Paris. Again, we offer our deepest condolences
for all the victims of recent terrorist attacks in Paris and around the globe.
The fact that we have gathered
here in such a number only testifies our solidarity and determination to fight
not only climate change but also senseless and barbaric violence embodied in
the modern terrorist scourge.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The goal that we expect to
achieve is indeed an ambitious one. We have reached the point where the climate
change is one of the most important challenges the global community has faced.
It has an enormous impact on the economy, development, political stability and
security, and human rights worldwide.
With the adoption of a new UN
2030 Development Agenda, and its Global Goals for Sustainable Development, we
have made an important step this autumn towards securing our common future.
Even though we are satisfied with the fact that the climate change has been
recognized as one of stand-alone goals, we believe that a new legally binding
global climate agreement, which will lay down our joint commitment to reduce and
limit greenhouse gas emissions in all countries, remains the final piece of the
sustainable development puzzle. It should be a top priority for all of us.
Therefore, allow me to extend
sincere gratitude to everyone who has been involved in the process of the
future agreements’ preparation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The responsibilities and
obligations should be allocated to parties not only on the basis of their
greenhouse gas emissions, but also considering their capacities and the gross domestic
product. Countries that largely contribute to emissions and have the economic strength
to undertake measures, must take more ambitious goals. At the same time, we need
to find a way to jointly assist the least developed countries meet the
requirements of a new climate agreement.
Focus on energy effectiveness and
renewable energy sources can lead to opening of large number of the new “green
jobs”. At the same time, it helps in meeting the requirements of climate change
area. Lack of funds must not be a justification for keeping with “business as
usual”. Old models of growth, based on high levels of carbon are no longer
effective. Instead they represent the threat of destruction of Earth for future
generations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At this moment we are at one of
the most crucial crossroads of the future of our planet.
Therefore, in the year in which
the United Nations have celebrated its grand jubilee, its 70th birthday, let us
all make the final effort in this year – with the establishment of a new and
universal global climate agreement. To that goal, I invite all of you to embark
on this endeavor and wish you all success.
Thank you!
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