Guterres, who arrived in Montreal on Monday to attend the 15th Meeting of the UN Conference on Biological Diversity (known as COP15), pointed out that the new generations are in the front line to rescue humanity in its battle against nature.

In this regard, Guterres’ spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric encouraged the young people to increase their involvement and to use all tools available to citizenship.

This morning, the UNSG also had a meeting with Huang Runqiu, China’s Minister of Ecology and Environment, who chairs COP15 Meeting, since the first part of the event took place in the Asian city of Kunming, in October 2021.

According to the UN, the second part of the 15th Meeting, to be held from Wednesday to December 19, will include the continuing negotiations for the Convention on Biological Diversity.

In addition to having talks with young people, Guterres spoke with leaders of all the regional groups present in Montreal and invited them to work to strengthen efforts to protect nature.

“If our insatiable appetite for unequal and unbridled economic growth continues, we risk facing mass extinction,” Guterres said. 

As part of his stay here, Guterres will call on countries and the private sector to develop bold action plans to protect biodiversity and support sustainable practices.

The secretary general is also scheduled to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tomorrow before returning to New York.

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