Ban Ki-moon asks G20 leaders to pursue green development

Ahead of their summit in Canada, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has asked the leaders of the G20 countries to invest in a green economic recovery for sustainable development.

“Such an approach can help address food security and climate change, while ensuring job creation,” he said.

“Economic recovery will be more sustainable if it is embedded in a global green new deal,” the UN chief asked world leaders to undertake international initiatives that supported national investment plans, women’s economic empowerment and measures to expand access to credit and savings for the poor.

“We must also build further momentum on education for all with a special focus on girls’ education,” he said, while also underlining the need to conclude an international trade deal that “takes into account the needs of the poorest nations by enhancing their market access.”

Ban Ki-moon also asked investments in global health and health systems, such as the Joint Action Plan for Women’s and Children’s Health, and fully funding programmes like the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the Sanitation and Water for All Initiative.

The Global Fund requires USD 17 billion over the next three years to meet current and projected needs.

The UN chief also called on nations to deliver on $30 billion in fast-start funding for developing countries dealing with climate change over the next three years and ensuring that the climate finance pledged in Copenhagen is delivered.

“The G20 showed leadership in calling for the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies and I encourage all to work individually and collectively to do so as soon as possible,” he said.

“We must address climate change targets together with the MDGs because our well-being as humans depends on the well-being of our planet,” he added.

The Secretary-General also emphasised that the UN is building a comprehensive system to monitor the impact of crises on the poorest and most vulnerable, which will allow the world body to “better address the vulnerabilities and suffering these crises have brought to billions.”

The G-20 summit for this year is scheduled to be held in Toronto on June 26-27.

“While the collective action and leadership of the G20 in Washington, London, and Pittsburgh helped to avert a global depression, economic recovery is still not on firm ground,” Ban Ki-moon said.