UN chief
Next 10 years final chance to avert climate catastrophe: UN chief
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said the next 10 years, as science tells, are the final chance for all to avert a climate catastrophe, turn back the deadly tide of pollution and end species loss.
“So, let today be the start of a new decade – one in which we finally make peace with nature and secure a better future for all,” he said in a message marking the World Environment Day that falls on June 5.
The UN chief said they face a triple environmental emergency – biodiversity loss, climate disruption and escalating pollution. “We’re rapidly reaching the point of no return for the planet.”
For too long, Guterres said, humanity has cut down the Earth's forests, polluted its rivers and oceans, and ploughed its grasslands into oblivion. “We’re ravaging the very ecosystems that underpin our societies.”
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And, in doing so, the UN chief said, they risk depriving themselves of the food, water and resources they need to survive.
The degradation of the natural world is already undermining the well-being of 3.2 billion people – or 40 percent of humanity, he said.
“Luckily, the Earth is resilient. But she needs our help. We still have time to reverse the damage we have done,” said the UN chief.
That is why, on this World Environment Day, Guterres said, they are launching the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
This global movement will bring together governments, businesses, civil society and private citizens in an unprecedented effort to heal the Earth, he said.
“By restoring ecosystems, we can drive a transformation that will contribute to the achievement of all the Sustainable Development Goals,” Guterres said.
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He said the task is monumental and they need to replant and protect their forests. “We need to clean up our rivers and seas. And we need to green our cities. Accomplishing these things will not only safeguard the planet’s resources.”
Guterres said it will create millions of new jobs by 2030, generate returns of over $7 trillion dollars every year and help eliminate poverty and hunger.
He said the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a global call to action and will draw together political support, scientific research and financial muscle to massively scale up restoration. “Everyone can contribute.”
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Nearly half of global population still lack internet access: UN Chief
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation across the planet, millions worldwide still lack Internet access, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday.
In his message for World Telecommunication and Information Science Day, celebrated annually on 17 May, the UN chief called for action to conquer both the pandemic and the digital divide, reports UN News.
“On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, let us commit to work together to defeat COVID-19 and ensure that digital technologies are a force for good that help us to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and leave no one behind,” he said.
Innovative and protective
“Digital technologies sustain life, work, health and learning for billions of people. In the face of COVID-19, businesses, governments and the digital community have proven resilient and innovative, helping to protect lives and livelihoods. These challenging times have accelerated the transformation everywhere,” he said.
However, the Secretary-General reported some 3.7 billion people, or nearly half the world’s population, remain unconnected to the Internet. Most are women.
“They, too, must be included if we are to make the possibilities of 5G, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, digital health and other technologies truly transformative and sustainable,” he said.
“We must also protect against the dangers of digital technologies, from the spread of hatred and misinformation to cyberattacks and the exploitation of our data.”
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Encouraging investment
World Telecommunication and Information Science Day marks the signing in 1865 of an agreement to form the International Telegraph Union (ITU), making it the world’s first modern international organization.
ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao said the UN agency will use the Day to unite the world in pursuit of digital transformation in all areas of business and life.
“It will be an opportunity to strengthen national strategies on ICT development, implement smart policies and effective measures to encourage investments in ICTs and digital skills, and upgrade our services with new technologies ranging from AI (Artificial Intelligence) to 5G that are central to the digital economy,” he said in a video message.
Inclusive and affordable for all
Last June, the UN launched a Roadmap for Digital Cooperation that lays out eight key actions, including achieving universal connectivity by 2030.
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Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, said the Roadmap, together with the vital work of the ITU, aims to make the digital transformation equitable, safe, inclusive and affordable for all, while also respecting human rights.
Let's work together to defeat COVID-19: UN chief
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for working together to defeat COVID-19 and ensuring that digital technologies are a force for good that help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
"On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, let us commit to work together," he said adding that they should not leave anyone behind.
The United Nations, through a Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and the vital work of the International Telecommunication Union, aims to make the transformation equitable, safe, inclusive and affordable for all, with full respect for human rights.
Also read: Restore planet amid pandemic: UN chief
The UN chief made the remarks in a message marking the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day that falls on May 17.
Guterres said digital technologies sustain life, work, health and learning for billions of people.
Also read: Let's plant seeds for sustainable future: UN chief
In the face of COVID-19, he said, businesses, governments and the digital community have proven resilient and innovative, helping to protect lives and livelihoods. "These challenging times have accelerated the transformation everywhere."
Yet 3.7 billion people – nearly half the world’s population – remain unconnected to the Internet; and of these, the majority are women, said the UN chief.
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"They, too, must be included if we are to make the possibilities of 5G, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, digital health and other technologies truly transformative and sustainable," he said.
"We must also protect against the dangers of digital technologies, from the spread of hatred and misinformation to cyberattacks and the exploitation of our data," Guterres added.
Let's plant seeds for sustainable future: UN chief
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said more than 1 million of the planet’s estimated 8 million plants and animal species are at risk of extinction today.
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