Your Excellency Mr. Peter Thomson, President of the General Assembly,ÌýDr. Patrick Ho, Secretary-General of the China Energy Fund Committee, Mr. Wu Hongbo, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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I am pleased to join you this evening.
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I commend the Department of Economic and Social Affairs on this very successful Ãå±±½ûµØEnergy Grant programme, and I thank the China Energy Fund Committee for its generous support.
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This is the second year that we are recognizing leadership and innovative practices in sustainable energy.
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The theme for the Grant this year is energy for sustainable transport.
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The efficient use of clean energy sources and technologies in developing sustainable transport options is critical for sustainable development.
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They link economic growth, social equity, a stable climate, a healthy environment and sustainable cities.
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The rapidly growing transport sector is already responsible for nearly a quarter of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
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Transformation is critical if we are to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
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Transport also contributes to air pollution that is linked to some 3 million deaths a year.
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The answer to these problems is not less transport – it is sustainable transport.
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This was emphasized last month at the first-ever Global Sustainable Transport Conference in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
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We need transport systems that are environmentally friendly, efficient, affordable and accessible.
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Technological advances and innovative thinking can get us there.
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During my time as Secretary-General, I have been impressed by many creative approaches.
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Three years ago, I rode on a bamboo bicycle made by women in Ghana.
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Last year, I took a solar taxi to work.
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And a few weeks ago, I met again with Bertrand Piccard, the pilot of the Solar Impulse, which has just completed a round the world journey powered purely by solar energy.
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These are just a few examples of the ideas and initiatives we need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
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To transform the transport sector we need investment and action from all governments, businesses, the scientific and technological communities and civil society.
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That means mobilizing funds from a variety of sources and fostering North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation.
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And that is why this event is so important.
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Beyond announcing the award of the Grant, we are celebrating the work of all the featured applicants.
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We are honouring bold and creative initiatives that can move us towards the future we want.
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Please join me in in expressing our thanks and commendation.
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Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,
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Together we are embarked on an exciting journey to a better future.
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I urge you all to remain engaged.
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Exchange experiences and lessons learned and encourage each other to go faster and further.
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The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is our blueprint for peace, prosperity, dignity and opportunity for all on a healthy planet.
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Let us not rest until we achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Thank you.
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