Symbolic presentation of German ratification instrument
Federal Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks presented a copy of the German ratification instrument for the Paris Agreement to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Hamburg today. In doing so she honoured Ban's great commitment to the agreement which Germany officially ratified this Wednesday.
Minister Hendricks remarked: "Ban Ki-moon recognised early on that we can only achieve peace and stability by addressing climate change. This agreement is also part of his legacy. He made combating climate change a priority of the United Nations because no country can rise to this challenge on its own. He is the face and voice of our struggle to halt climate change and for a more sustainable, fair and peaceful world. Thanks to him, the world has come together on these crucial issues."
The German Sustainability Award Foundation presented Ban Ki-moon with the Honorary Award of the German Sustainability Award in Hamburg today. With the award, the foundation recognises the senior diplomat's outstanding commitment to climate action and global sustainable development. The award is presented in cooperation with the German government, the German Council for Sustainable Development, local government associations, industry associations, research institutes and civil society organisations. Barbara Hendricks gave a speech in honour of the laureate.