António Guterres (Secretary-General) at the Official opening and the First plenary meeting of SIDS4 Conference (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)
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Officially opening the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), today (27 May) in Antigua, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said SIDS are a test case for climate justice and financial justice.
He continued, “The world is fast approaching the 1.5-degree limit that would avoid the worst impacts of global heating. Exceeding this limit could trigger multiple climate tipping points with abrupt, irreversible, and dangerous impacts for humanity – posing an existential threat to some SIDS.”
He stated, “We cannot accept the disappearance of any country or culture under the rising waves.”
He concluded, “At times of crisis, it may be tempting to turn inward, to lower expectations, and to dim hopes. But that is not the SIDS way. Collaboration and mutual support and help have allowed SIDS to be acle to face the consequences of geopolitical storms and physical storms. And when you speak together, SIDS can make an almighty noise. And I urge you to do so at this critical time for our planet and our future.”
Official Programme: [ Ссылка ]
