Marrakech, 15 November 2016

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very pleased to begin my day with a meeting with the distinguished members of the media. Thank you for covering this very important meeting on climate change.

Ladies and gentlemen,

No country, however resourceful or powerful, is immune from the impacts of climate change. 

That is why we have seen overwhelming support for the Paris Agreement. It entered into force with breath-taking speed, Countries realize it is in their own national interest to take action now.

Now 109 countries have joined, as of today. It is increasing day by day. Maybe hour by hour. I urge all the rest to ratify as soon as possible.

We have much to gain by acting now.

I strongly urge all countries to increase the level of ambition in their national climate plans over the next two years.

I also call on other sectors of society to accelerate their climate efforts. 

Cities, citizens and CEOs were crucial to mobilizing political support for the Paris Agreement. They are also among the most visionary and ambitious actors building low-carbon, resilient economies that will prosper in a climate-changed world.

Businesses can do more to seize the many potential opportunities.

There has been tremendous progress. In the growth of renewables. In green innovations.

In thriving public-private partnerships working to transform key sectors of our economy from land use and agriculture to sustainable transport. 

And in mobilizing voices of every age, from every nation, in support of a safer, clean energy future.

I call on civil society organizations to continue to keep governments accountable to their promises.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I have made climate action a priority since my first day in office.

Addressing climate change is critical to protecting our planet, safeguarding the most vulnerable and advancing shared prosperity.

It was truly a privilege to make this journey with so many partners from around the world who are committed to leaving a healthier planet to future generations.

I am confident that my successor, Secretary-General Designate Antonio Guterres, and the United Nations will continue to advance this cause with energy and resolve for the sake of our planet and all people. 

I am also very glad to be here with Executive Secretary of UNFCCC [UN Framework Convention on Climate Change], Ms. Patricia Espinosa who has just taken up her new job of this very important organization. Former Foreign Minister of Mexico, I count on your leadership. And I hope you will give her good support.

We also have a new Executive Director of UNEP. He is also very experienced person. So we have a very good team.

As you may know, this is my last COP. I have one and half months to go as Secretary-General of the United Nations. I will never cease, even after my retirement, to work with the United Nations and my colleagues, and world leaders to make sure that this climate change agreement is in full implementation and to make this world and people safer and healthier and more prosperous.

Thank you.