Following the Climate Action Summit held during the UN General Assembly, the Secretary-General is this week joining mayors and climate governance leaders from around the world at the 2019 C40 World Mayors Summit. The Summit urges cities to enhance resilience to climate change and accelerate the transition to a green economy.

“Cities are where the climate battle will largely be won or lost. At September’s Climate Action Summit at the United Nations, at least 70 countries and 100 cities agreed to enhance their national plans by 2020 – we must build on this momentum,” said Mr. Guterres.

Ms. Faremo also joined the C40 Summit at a session that explored why good governance lies at the heart of climate leadership. In her address, she highlighted the critical role that quality urban infrastructure can play in efforts to tackle climate change. 

“As things stand, our cities are ill-equipped to cope with a changing climate. Many lack infrastructure designed to withstand the impacts of the climate crisis,” said Ms Faremo. 

"Our joint choices now will determine how sustainable, resilient, and inclusive our cities will be tomorrow. We all have a unique opportunity to make the right decisions to create cities that work for all, now and in the future," she added. 

While in Copenhagen, the Secretary-General also visited UN City – home to 11 UN agencies, including UNOPS Headquarters. Accompanied by Ms. Faremo, he met with UN personnel and officially launched the UN Refugee Agency/World Bank Joint Data Centre on Forced Displacement. Mr Guterres also toured the UNICEF Supply Division Warehouse, where he helped pack ‘school-in-a-box’ kits that are used in back-to-school operations around the world.