“We must educate the next generation in global citizenship. We must increase their understanding of climate change because they are our future leaders.”On January 24, Co-chair Ban Ki-moon attended and spoke at the Alan and Jane Batkin International Leaders Forum hosted by Foreign Policy at Brookings Institute.
During this occasion, Co-chair Ban addressed the climate threats and its implications, climate justice, and climate leadership. In his international leadership roles, Co-chair Ban has been a prominent advocate of bringing climate change to the top of the global agenda, promoting sustainable development and highlighting how environmental degradation has disproportionately affected people in developing countries, especially women.
Stressing the importance of multilateralism, Co-chair Ban said,
He also said,“A ‘me vs. you’ mentality has no place in climate action. It is about ‘all of us vs. climate change’.”
“If we do not solve the problem of climate change we will all be losers. I urge President Trump to return to the Paris Agreement.”
He also called world leaders and young generation to harness the mindset of global citizenship to cope of global challenges.“We need disruption. We need to get urgent on climate. We need a new sense of global citizenship”
Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and former President of Ireland, said,
“The climate crisis must be the top priority for all leaders in 2020. It is not hyperbole to say that the fate of humanity as a whole rests on decisions taken this year.”The event was opened with Brookings Vice President and Director of Foreign Policy Bruce Jones’ introductory remarks. Following remarks by Co-chair Ban and Chair of The Elders Mary Robinson, Brookings Senior Fellow and the SK-Korea Foundation Chair in Korea Studies Jung H. Pak joined them on stage for a conversation on climate change, human rights, adaptation measures, and global leadership in the face of a climate emergency.
Climate threats and climate justice: Action and adaptation for sustainable development – Part 1
Climate threats and climate justice: Action and adaptation for sustainable development – Part 2
© Ralph Alswang / Alswang Photography
