New York (United Nations) – HM King Mohammed VI sent a message to the Climate Action Summit, which opened Monday at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Here follows the full text of the royal message, which was read out by HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa, Chairwoman of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environment Protection:

“Praise be to God,

May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, His Kith and Kin

Mr. Secretary General,

Your Excellencies,

I should like to pay a warm tribute to Mr. Antonio Guterres for convening this Summit meeting.

The degradation of our environment is now a tangible reality. It poses a threat that we must address together.

As part of its Nationally Determined Contribution, the Kingdom of Morocco, a country with low greenhouse gas emissions, has undertaken to reduce its emissions by 42%, by 2030.

An inclusive, comprehensive process has also been launched to reduce emissions beyond that figure.

As a result, last November, my country decided to continue accelerating its energy transition, setting the more ambitious goal of securing 52% of its electricity production from renewable energy sources by 2030.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Africa, a continent which is suffering from the impact of climate change, must be a priority in our collective action.

In this respect, the first Africa Action Summit, held in Marrakech, set off an unprecedented dynamic, in particular through the operationalization of two African climate commissions, for the Congo Basin and for the Sahel Region.

Together with sister African nations, Morocco has also launched the African Agriculture Adaptation Initiative.

My country has also set up, jointly with Ethiopia, a “Coalition for Sustainable Energy Access” for the benefit of the Least Developed Countries, particularly in Africa.

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Working with its partners, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection has set up the “African Youth Climate Hub”, which aims to showcase leadership and innovation, and to underscore the positive role of African youth.

In this regard, the first “Youth Climate Summit” provides reasons for optimism, requiring us to respond positively and lend our effective support.

Our ambition with respect to tackling climate change requires effective international solidarity, sustainable financing and a qualitative transfer of technology and know-how.

That is the true meaning of my commitment in this regard – towards Morocco, Africa and our planet.

Thank you.

Wassalamou alaikoum warahmatoullahi wabarakatouh “