Resetting Agenda on Climate Action: United Nations Secretary-General to Deliver Major Address
23 June 2025
Mbabane, Eswatini, 24 June 2025 – As part of his 2025 climate strategy, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will deliver a pivotal global address on 24 June 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. EDT (3:00pm to 4:00pm Eswatini time), live from UN Headquarters in New York. Titled “Moment of Opportunity”, the speech is expected to reset the global climate narrative by making a powerful economic case for a just and inclusive energy transition.
The Secretary-General will outline the progress made since the Paris Agreement was adopted a decade ago, examine the barriers that continue to stall climate action, and make a bold call to speed up pathways to energy transitions.
The address is intended to build global momentum in the lead-up to key multilateral forums and national decision-making processes. It aims to inspire bolder commitments ahead of major international milestones such as the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference and to inform the next generation of national climate action plans, including Eswatini’s forthcoming third round of Nationally Determined Contributions, which are being led with the support of UNDP.
The Secretary-General’s address will also underscore how transitioning to clean and affordable energy is not only feasible, but vital to delivering jobs, economic growth, energy security, and resilience, especially for developing countries. It will challenge the outdated perception that climate action is too costly, instead presenting evidence that greater investment in renewable energy is sound economic policy.
“Climate action is essential not only for the planet but also for Eswatini’s economic growth, energy security, and the wellbeing of its people,” according to George Wachira, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Eswatini. “This address will reinforce the opportunity for Eswatini to lead the way in adopting sustainable energy solutions that align with our national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The United Nations is inviting policy makers, civil society organizations, private sector, youth and members of the public to join the Secretary General as he unpacks the speech to the global community.
Event Details:
Title: Moment of Opportunity: A Global Climate Address by the UN Secretary-General
Date: Tuesday, 24 June 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. EDT (3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eswatini Time)
Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York | Livestreamed Globally
Media representatives are encouraged to cover the event and engage with its outcomes. Digital platforms will carry the event live, and expert interviews will be available upon request.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sisekelo Dlamini – sisekelo.dlamini@un.org | +268 7630 4529
Mantoe Phakathi – mantoe.phakathi@undp.org | +268 7808 9481
About the UN in Eswatini:
The United Nations in Eswatini partners with the government and stakeholders to support sustainable development, climate resilience, and poverty eradication. Through initiatives aligned with the SDGs, the UN promotes inclusive growth and environmental stewardship that benefits all Eswatini citizens.
UN entities involved in this initiative
Goals we are supporting through this initiative
