A Moment of Opportunity: Speech by the Secretary-General on Climate Change

As part of his 2025 climate strategy, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will deliver a pivotal global address on 22 July 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. EDT (3:00pm to 4:00pm Botswana 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 Botswana’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 It will challenge the outdated perception that climate action is too costly, instead presenting evidence that greater investment in renewable energy is sound economic policy.

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, 22 July 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. EDT (3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Botswana Time)
Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York |