Yet, while yesterday’s signing (22 April 2016) is a “vote of confidence” in a new approach to climate change, it is imperative that the strong political momentum continues to grow, the UN chief emphasised in his concluding remarks to the day-long Ceremony for the Paris Agreement.

If all the countries signing yesterday joined the Paris Agreement at the national level, the world will have met the legal requirement for the Agreement to enter into force – 55 countries accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse emissions. In particular, he was pleased to hear several large emitter countries announce that they will ratify in 2016.

“I encourage all countries to raise their level of ambition,” Mr Ban said. “I urge world leaders to continue to provide direct political oversight and guidance. And I will look to civil society and the world’s young people to hold Governments to account for the promises they made today,” he added.

While it has been a long journey to get to the present moment, the UN chief emphasised that a long journey also awaits Member States. “When I look out at the horizon, I see, more clearly than ever, the outlines of a new and better world,” he said.

In that regard, Mr Ban reminded Member States that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a “major step forward” for people and the planet.

In addition, the World Humanitarian Summit he will be convening in Istanbul on 23 and 24 May will be a “critical opportunity” to enhance support to the most vulnerable and reaffirm “our common humanity,” Mr Ban said.    Read more here