New York, 20 September 2014 - As the eyes of the world turn to New York City, where thousands of people gathered Sunday for a massive march in advance of a United Nations climate summit, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday welcomed UN Messenger of Peace, Leonardo DiCaprio, who he has hailed as the world body's "new voice for climate advocacy."
Mr. Ban announced the appointment of the renowned actor and dedicated environmentalist last week, telling reporters that Mr. DiCaprio's main focus as the Organization's newest Messenger of Peace would be climate change issues. "His global stardom is the perfect match for this global challenge," said the UN chief.
He joined the Secretary-General on Sunday 21 September at the Peoples' Climate March through the streets of Manhattan, where more than 300,000 people came together to demand leaders take action in advance of Mr. Ban's Climate Summit, which takes place on Tuesday, 23 September.
The UN chief has said that measures to cut greenhouse gass emmissions, transfrom the world's econmies and adopt to the impacts of climate change will require "all hands on deck", and as such, one of Mr. Dicaprio's first duties as Messenger of Peace will be to address the UN summit.
As he toured UN Headquarters with the Secretary-General on Saturday, Mr. DiCaprio told reporters that climate change is perhaps the most important issue of our time, and tackling it will be "no small task."
Indeed, effective climate action must involve massive cooperation and dedicated action across all sectors of society. "We are at a pivotal turning point as we see the effects of rapid climate change happening right before us," he said.
Mr. DiCaprio congratulated the Secretary-General for being a climate champion and for gathering so many political and business leaders for the upcoming summit "to try to manifest something tangible to combat climate change."
At the summit, more than 120 Heads of State and Government are expected to announce their visions and commitments for reaching a universal and meaningful climate agreement in 2015, as well as make announcements on actions that will reduce emissions, enhance resistance to climate change and mobilize financing for climate action.
