18 September 2017: As the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72) opened in New York and a number of high-profile events, including Global Goals Week 2017 and Climate Week NYC 2017, convened in the margins, UN high-level officials, government representatives and other stakeholders gathered for a number of high-level discussions on the acceleration of implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change and efforts to enhance disaster resilience.

During the High-level Stakeholder Dialogue on Climate Change, held on 18 September, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted three areas of focus: growing and deepening stakeholders’ role in Paris Agreement implementation; removing barriers to the mobilization of finance and creating bankable projects; and intensifying efforts in high-impact areas, such as technology, energy transmission, carbon pricing and risk mitigation.

The UN Secretary-General’s informal meetings with world leaders from governments, the private sector and NGOs, convened prior to the Secretary-General’s Climate Summit 2019, seek to forge alliances between governments and business for implementing the Paris Agreement.

The meeting formed part of a series of informal discussions organized by the Secretary-General in the run-up to the Secretary-General’s Climate Summit to be held in 2019. The Secretary-General’s informal meetings with world leaders from governments, the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) seek to forge alliances between governments and business for implementing the Paris Agreement. [UN SDGs Press Release] [UN Secretary-General’s Remarks at High-Level Stakeholder Dialogue on Climate Change] [UN Secretary-General’s Press Release on Stakeholder Dialogue on Climate Change]

Addressing the issue of Paris Agreement implementation at the Climate Week NYC 2017, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed called for deepening engagement of the private sector, managing the transition in the energy sector, maintaining momentum, prioritizing disclosure, and ensuring greater recognition and transparency. [Deputy Secretary-General’s Remarks at Climate Week NYC 2017]

Speaking at the High-Level Event on Hurricane Irma on 18 September, UNGA 72 President Miroslav Lajčák noted that the current trend of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will increase the likelihood of severe weather events. Guterres underscored the need to scale up efforts to reduce risks and vulnerabilities, and build resilience, emphasizing the role of international financial institutions. [Statement by UNGA 72 President Lajčák at High-level Event on Hurricane Irma] [UN Secretary-General’s Remarks at High-Level Event on Hurricane Irma] [UN SDGs Website Press Release]

Responding to Hurricane Irma’s aftermath, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocated US$10 million to enable UN and other humanitarian organizations to provide food, critical health care, clean water and other aid to those most affected in the Caribbean. [CERF Press Release]