Distinguished guests,

Student delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me offer you a very special welcome this morning, and say that I am heartened to see
such a large and enthusiastic group of young adults engaged in global issues.

MUN or Model United Nations is built on open minds and fresh ideas which is the essence of
successful diplomacy -- the ability to understand and analyse all positions, including those
that you oppose.

Our planet, and us, who inhabit it are in undeniable danger. The climate crisis is pummelling
the planet. The COVID-19 pandemic aftermath has not yet subsided. Our resources are being
exhausted as we speak.

However, Humanity has shown that we are capable of great things when we work together

But to reach that land of our promises, we must bridge some great divides.

First, we must address the issue of climate change

The recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was a code red for
humanity.

We see the warning signs in every continent and region.

Scorching temperatures. Shocking biodiversity loss. Polluted air, water and natural spaces.

Governments must take full advantage of their policy making powers to make the shift to
green economies and sustainable green jobs

We have the opportunity and the obligation to act.

Secondly, the post covid-19 effects

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an
unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems and the world of work.

With a large number of people falling under the poverty line and the future of our economy
still being blurry, Now is the time for global solidarity and support.

Only together can we overcome the health, social and economic impacts of the pandemic
and prevent its escalation into a loss of already achieved development gains

Which leads to our third major issue,

Food
Projections now show the world is not on track to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030. despite
some progress, the food security and nutritional status are likely to deteriorate due to the
impacts of the pandemic, according to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World
2021 report.
The war in Ukraine has triggered an alarming global surge in government controls on the
export of food

Food shortages have caused malnutrition and school dropout rates to increase. social and
economic damage of that kind cannot be easily reversed.

Fourth, and finally, the need to attain sustainable developmental goals

We need to develop long-term sustainable strategies to address the challenges facing the
health and agri-food sectors and rethink the future of our environment, tackle climate
change and environmental degradation with ambition and urgency to ensure that our ‘new
normal’ is a better one.
We must commit to pooling our expertise and experience to support countries in their crisis
to take measures to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

We need to act now to bridge these Great Divides and save humanity and the planet.

The best way to advance the interests of one’s own citizens is by advancing the interests of
our common future.

This is our time.

A moment for transformation.

An age of possibilities.

Let us restore trust. Let us inspire hope.

And let us start right now.

Thank you.