IUCN Director General Urges Global Leaders to Take Action on Biodiversity and Climate Change at UN Summit

In a powerful statement delivered to the Plenary of the UN Summit in New York City, IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar emphasized the urgent need for global leaders to respond to the crises of biodiversity loss and climate change that are threatening the future of the planet.

Dr. Aguilar stated, “The world is changing. There is an urgent need to respond to the global crises of biodiversity loss and climate change that are driving us into poverty and insecurity. If we are to secure the future of our planet, we need to bring about transformative change for nature and people.”

Highlighting the alarming rate at which humans are exceeding planetary boundaries and pushing species to the brink of extinction, Dr. Aguilar stressed the importance of implementing multilateral agreements such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the High Seas Treaty.

“We need to put nature at the centre of global social and economic systems, and to change the relationship between people and nature so that nature provides solutions for people and people can enjoy the benefits that nature gives us, equitably and effectively,” Dr. Aguilar said.

Calling for a transition to a global circular economy and policies aimed at achieving a fossil fuel-free, nature-positive future, Dr. Aguilar emphasized the need for inclusive and participatory decision-making processes that involve youth, Indigenous peoples, local communities, and are gender-sensitive.

While welcoming the Pact for the Future as a renewed commitment to multilateralism by State members, Dr. Aguilar expressed regret that the Pact has not fully achieved the transformative change needed for nature and climate.

IUCN remains committed to supporting the implementation of the Pact and beyond, working towards a just world that values and conserves nature. Dr. Aguilar concluded, “Such a world is the future we must all work for.”