[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Excellencies, Colleagues<\/p>\n
It is my pleasure to join all of you today in celebrating World Wildlife Day.<\/p>\n
I extend my special thanks to the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES), in partnership with the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Development Programme, for organizing this event.<\/p>\n
The theme we have chosen for this year\u2019s celebration, \u201cRecovering Key Species for Ecosystem Restoration\u201d is highly befitting. Humans have a greater responsibility than ever to reflect on how we co-exist with other species, many of which are threatened with extinction because of our actions.<\/p>\n
The continued loss of species and degradation of habitats and ecosystems threatens humanity as a whole, as people everywhere rely on wildlife and biodiversity-based resources to meet all their needs, from food, medicines and health to fuel, housing, and clothing.<\/p>\n
As we upset delicate natural balances, and endanger keystone species vital to their ecosystems, we put the entire planet at risk. We put ourselves<\/em> at risk.<\/p>\n This cannot continue. Now, in the spirit of recovering better, we must change how we do things and prioritize the health of our planet. We must change how we consume, how we produce, how we manage waste. We must invest in green technologies and transition to blue economies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Individual efforts matter, and I applaud the climate heroes who continue to raise their voice, who plant trees, who endeavor to bring degraded ecosystems back to life, and who make climate-responsible choices in their everyday life.<\/p>\n But to fully succeed we must harness our collective energy and ingenuity.<\/p>\n In recognition that 2021-2030 has been marked as the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, let us step up to the task and match words with action.<\/p>\n I call on the international community to work in concert and mobilize the science and resources needed to restore millions of hectares in every type of ecosystem, from mountaintops to the sea floor.<\/p>\n I am happy to note that many such efforts are underway, and I commend the CITES Secretariat, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDP, and all stakeholders for their tireless persistence in planning and executing large scale ecosystem restorations.<\/p>\n We must continue to build on these foundations.<\/p>\n Having reflected that the 76th<\/sup> Session of the General Assembly is a \u2018super-session\u2019 on the environment, with High Level conferences on biodiversity, climate change, desertification, and the ocean, I decided that in July I will convene a High-Level Event on a \u2018Moment for Nature\u2019.<\/p>\n I will use the occasion to emphasize the message that humanity has the capacity to protect our planet if we work together, with urgency.<\/p>\n It is a message I took to the High-Level Event on Climate I held last October and a message I took to COP26. And it is a message that I reiterate today.<\/p>\n Through partnering and mobilizing, we can protect global biodiversity and keystone species. And we can preserve the diverse ecosystems that enrich our planet and sustain our well-being.\u00a0<\/p>\n So, today, on World Wildlife Day, let us join hands and redouble our commitments to our planet.<\/p>\n Let us demonstrate to the plant and animal life that we as a fellow species on this planet have the decency and humanity left to change course and restore threatened species and their habitats<\/p>\n Let us acknowledge our ability to make a difference and act to make that difference.<\/p>\n Thank you.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" World Wildlife Day 2022 event organized by Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES), in partnership with the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Development Programme (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDP)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":353,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Excellencies, colleagues,<\/p> I welcome you all to our second meeting and our first interaction following the resumed part of the session.<\/p> Before I begin, I would like to recognize the loss of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Ms. Gail Farngalo.<\/p> A Liberian national, Gail was my Team Leader for Human Rights and was active on gender during both the 75th<\/sup> and 76th<\/sup> sessions. She leaves behind a legacy of achievements and a groundswell of respect and affection from across the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and diplomatic communities. Her presence is certainly felt here today.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> When I took on this Presidency of Hope, I pledged to make gender equality a priority area for the 76th<\/sup> session. I continue to look to the board for its wisdom and expertise, as I endeavour to fulfil that pledge.<\/p> In this regard, I have already benefited from the board\u2019s advice, from when we met on October 28th<\/sup> last year.<\/p> Acting on that advice, I committed to ensuring that all my five rays of hope, and all my major initiatives, are approached with a gender lens.<\/p> I made sure that the composition of my office is gender-balanced.<\/p> I have committed to participating only in panels that have equal gender representation.<\/p> Throughout my official interactions and travels, I have endeavoured to meet with women, including heads of states and governments, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth.<\/p> And I am proud to inform you that five young women have been recruited into the Fellowship for HOPE<\/em> that my office recently launched. The Fellowship as you are well aware is targeted at benefiting young diplomats from underrepresented countries, pursuing careers in diplomacy or public service.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> While recognizing that we have a long way to go in the battle for gender-equality, I am proud of what my team has been able to accomplish within the past few months.<\/p> Our work continues.<\/p> We will continue to raise our voices on issues disproportionately impacting women, such as domestic violence and work place harassment. We will continue to push the importance of gender-equal work spaces.<\/p> And we will continue to find new paths to empower young women with ambitious professional aspirations.<\/p> Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.<\/p> With the board\u2019s guidance and support, we must use the many opportunities over the coming months to further empower women and girls, and dismantle discriminatory practices against them.<\/p> There are several upcoming events that will provide us such opportunities. I look forward to the board\u2019s suggestions on how we can best utilize them.<\/p> As an example, the International Day of Women and Girls in science is fast approaching. We must recognize that women\u2019s contributions in science and technology have helped us cure diseases; discover new horizons in space; and develop technologies that have vastly improved our quality of life.<\/p> As we celebrate their achievements, we must also open pathways for young girls who aspire to follow in the footsteps of pioneers in science and technology.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Let us also reflect that the theme chosen by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for this year is on \u201cachieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes\u201d.<\/p> As we strive to meet our obligations to the planet, let us recognize the important work done by women and girls at the forefront of the climate crisis, and whose humanitarian work in disaster-stricken areas has helped save lives and rebuild communities. We owe it to them to not only celebrate their work but to support them.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Our programme of work for the months ahead has been circulated to members prior to the meeting, for consideration and feedback. Please note that the events we have planned are not exhaustive. I welcome further suggestions from the board on the content and format of future events and activities.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> We have made much progress within a short while. And with the board\u2019s support and guidance, I am sure that we can keep up this strong momentum.<\/p> I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our vision of a gender-equal world.<\/p> Thank you.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[550,556,553],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-259649","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","tag-ga","tag-pga","tag-shahid","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n