United Nations, New York, USA, June 18 2015 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks to journalists after addressing the Security Council open debate on children and armed conflict. In his remarks, the Ban Ki-Moon welcomed the papal encyclical on climate released earlier in the day by Pope Francis. The Secretary-General said that he and Pope Francis agree that climate change is a moral issue that requires collective urgent action. At Ban’s side is Leila Zerrougui, his Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.
On the Photo: SG Ban Ki-Moon and Leila Zerrougui,
Credit: Luiz Rampelotto/EuropaNewswire
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Thursday welcomed the papal encyclical released by Pope Francis.
Speaking today to reporters at UN Headquarters, the Secretary-General said that he and Pope Francis agree that climate change is a moral issue that requires collective urgent action. It is an issue of social justice, human rights and fundamental ethics.
“Pope Francis and I agree that climate change is a moral issue that requires collective urgent actions. It is an issue of social justice, human rights and fundamental ethics.”
The Secretary-General said that people everywhere share a responsibility to care for and protect our common home, our one and only planet Earth. 
Phpoto by: Luiz Rampelotto/EuropaNewswire
He added”we must do far more to help the poorest and most vulnerable members of society, who are suffering most from climate impacts yet had least to do with causing the problem.”
He noted we must also show solidarity with generations that will follow ours, and bequeath to them a sustainable world.
The Secretary-General said that Pope Francis’s moral voice is part of a growing chorus of people from all faiths and all sectors of society speaking out for climate action.
He urged governments to place the global common good above national interests and to adopt an ambitious, universal climate agreement in Paris this year.
“I thank, deeply, Pope Francis for taking such a strong stand on the need for urgent global action. His moral voice is part of a growing chorus of people from all faiths and all sectors of society speaking out for climate action. I urge all governments to place the global common good above national interests and to adopt an ambitious, universal climate agreement in Paris this year.”
Source: UNTV and Photos by EuropaNewswire