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United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was honored
last week during the South-South Awards for his
indispensable role in addressing the global climate crisis.
The annual South-South Awards recognize outstanding
contributions from world leaders, senior United Nations
officials and other icons in advancing
sustainable development.
“I am deeply honored by South-South’s decision to confer an
award to me,” said
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations. “South-South and
Triangular Cooperation play a crucial role in advancing the
global development agenda.”
The Secretary-General was unable to attend, but expressed
his gratitude through video and highlighted South-South’s
fundamental role in global progression. Several officials
were called to the stage to present his recognition;
however, Chef de Cabinet Susana Malcorra accepted the honor
on his behalf.
Other world leaders lauded
for their environmental initiatives included His Excellency
Mr. Tuilaepa Aiono
Sailele Malielagaoi,
Prime Minister of Samoa, who was praised for his efforts
around climate change in small island developing states. His
Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, was
acknowledged for his commitment to advancing international
cooperation on water security.
CNBC News Anchor Amanda Drury served as the Mistress of
Ceremonies while singer Rhonda Ross dazzled guests with
eloquent renditions that embodied the heart and soul of her
mother. Supporting comments were made by His Excellency Mr.
Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; His
Excellency Ambassador John Ashe, President of the 68th United
Nations General Assembly; His Excellency Ambassador Francis
Lorenzo, President of the South-South Awards; and Mr. Cai
E’Sheng, Chairman of the SS-SCSD Asia-Pacific Committee.
Ambassador Lorenzo noted,
“In solidarity with the
Secretary-General’s call for a scaled-up response, we will
continue to promote creative public-private synergies and
new ideas that foster pioneering solutions to the climate
change crisis.”
The 4th Annual
South-South Awards Reception paid homage to notable figures
and organizations that have made strides in climate change.
The event strove to encourage action toward implementing
adaptable, affordable and effective solutions.
The 2014 South-South Awards were hosted by the Permanent
Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, the
South-South Steering Committee for Sustainable Development,
the International Organization for South-South Cooperation,
The International Telecommunication Union, the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the
Permanent Mission of Grenada to the United Nations and
South-South News. |