CELAC Summit: UN Chief Warns of Climate Crisis, Calls for Collaboration and Sustainability
01 March 2024
Caption: UN Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the CELAC summit in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, emphasizing resilience, peace, and urgent action on sustainable development and climate change.
Caption: UN Secretary-General António Guterres speaks alongside Prime Minister Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the CELAC summit, urging collaborative action on the region's pressing challenges.
"We saw neighbours helping neighbours – and the region coming together for support. We need that spirit more than ever, today and everywhere," the Secretary-General declared.
"The peace process in Colombia has made significant strides, with invaluable contributions from CELAC countries...the joint declaration for dialogue and peace between Guyana and Venezuela... is another example of the region’s commitment to seek peaceful solutions."
Urgent Action on Sustainable Development
Addressing the fight against poverty and hunger, the Secretary-General stressed, "Millions of people in the region are facing poverty and hunger... we need solidarity for sustainable development."
Caption: Leaders unite at the 8th CELAC Summit in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, highlighting regional solidarity in addressing pressing issues.
Guterres warned of the climate crisis, saying, "Extreme events are hitting with increasing ferocity... All countries must commit to new economy-wide nationally determined contributions by 2025 that align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius."
Conclusion: A Call to Bold Action
The Secretary-General concluded with an impassioned appeal:
"Leaders have a responsibility... to invest in social cohesion... to guarantee women’s full participation and leadership... and to amplify young voices."
As the Summit progresses, Guterres' call for action will frame discussions on collaborative solutions, working towards the betterment of the Latin American and Caribbean region.