By Abbas Nazil
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has called for increased partnerships and greater climate investment to accelerate global progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement targets.
She spoke at the opening of the Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G) Summit in Hanoi, Viet Nam.
Speaking before a diverse audience of government leaders, private sector actors, civil society representatives, and investors, Mohammed underscored the urgency of advancing climate and development agendas amid rising environmental and economic challenges.
Marking ten years since the adoption of the SDGs and the landmark Paris Agreement, Ms. Mohammed acknowledged the significant strides made globally in addressing climate issues and promoting sustainable development.
However, she warned that the world remains critically off-track.
Citing stark figures, she noted that 750 million people still lack access to electricity, and two billion people are without clean cooking solutions.
She also raised concern over growing air pollution caused by fossil fuel emissions, which continues to endanger children’s health worldwide.
Despite these grim realities, Ms. Mohammed expressed optimism, highlighting hope as a driving force in the face of adversity. Quoting Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, she reminded attendees of the power of belief in a better future.
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She pointed to three main sources of optimism: the global commitment seen in the summit’s diverse attendance; the strength of public-private collaborations such as the Just Energy Transition Partnerships; and the compelling economic case for climate action.
According to her, investments in climate adaptation not only protect communities but also yield significant financial returns—up to ten times the initial investment.
Ms. Mohammed emphasized that climate change is not just an environmental threat but a major economic challenge. Climate-related disasters led to an estimated $320 billion in damages last year, draining resources needed for development.
However, she pointed to recent advances in renewable technologies, including dramatic cost reductions in wind, solar, and battery storage, which have become the most affordable sources of new electricity in many markets.
Last year, renewables accounted for 92.5 percent of new global power capacity, and clean energy surpassed 40 percent of total electricity generation.
She praised Viet Nam’s leadership in transitioning from coal to clean energy, describing it as a bold step towards a fairer, more sustainable future.
The Deputy Secretary-General urged all governments to adopt smart, cost-effective solutions and reform energy and development strategies to meet the climate targets outlined in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Stressing the need for $2.4 trillion in annual investments to flow into developing economies outside China by 2030, she called on the global financial sector, businesses, and civil society to innovate, form partnerships, and turn challenges into business opportunities.
Ms. Mohammed reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting all nations in building a climate-resilient and equitable world.
