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Heads of State and leaders gather at UN Biodiversity COP-16 to align agendas on the triple planetary crisis and explore joint solutions for a future where life on Earth is restored and preserved.
At the event, Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a powerful call for action to protect nature. In his opening remarks at the High-Level Segment, Guterres emphasized that "making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century". He reminded that "no country, rich or poor, is immune to the devastation inflicted by climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and pollution."
Guterres highlighted the essential role of Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities as guardians of nature, whose traditional knowledge serves as a living library for biodiversity conservation. In this context, he called for the establishment of a permanent subsidiary body within the Convention on Biological Diversity—a significant step forward to ensure Indigenous voices are heard at every stage of the process. "Peace with nature means peace for those who protect it," he said.
Finally, Guterres urged nations to accelerate their progress and commit resources as decisive steps to restore harmony with nature.
Read the statement here
Watch the High-Level Segment: Opening Plenary at COP16