G20 Green Garden Inauguration

 G20 Green Garden Inauguration 

Statement by

Dr. QU Dongyu, FAO Director General 

10 June 2021 

As prepared

 

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

1.              I am very pleased to be here today to inaugurate the G20 Green Garden.

2.              Some months ago, in a conversation with former Prime Minister Conte, we discussed how to mark the occasion of Italy’s Presidency of the G20.

3.              Soon after that, I met with the Mayor of Rome and we started looking at how to take the project further.

4.              Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the idea becomes a reality today.

5.              The Region of Lazio provided prompt and important support to the efforts of enriching the Park’s biodiversity.

6.              The Ministry of Culture played a key role in bringing art, nature and heritage together in an engaging educational space.

7.              And the Ministry of Education is on board to develop the next phase of the G20 Green Garden, set to launch in September in the framework of the Ministerial programme “Regeneration Schools”

8.              I also wish to thank the Appia Antica Park for all their support.

9.              Together, we are building a dedicated educational itinerary to engage youth in achieving the SDGs, as well as a recreational learning experience for present and future generations.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

10.              As our host country over the last 70 years, Italy has always provided invaluable support to FAO in the achievement of its global mandate.

11.              Today’s launch of this Green Garden initiative demonstrates the positive and effective collaboration between FAO and the Italy.

12.              We are proud to work hand-in-hand with our host to ensure that the abundance of our planets’ nature can be shared with all Romans, Italians and tourists from all over the world.

13.              I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Draghi for the excellent partnership and collaboration, on G20 and beyond.

 

 

Dear Friends,

14.              The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the critical role of ecosystems for both the planet’s and people’s health.

15.              This Garden is part of the green lung of Rome, helping remove pollutants, cool the air, absorb carbon dioxide and green our city.

16.              It is a symbol of the G20 countries’ commitment to ‘People, Planet, Prosperity’. 

17.              It is a global call of solidarity, for governments, international organizations, private businesses, academia, civil society and individuals, to take action to create a sustainable future for all.

18.              Rome is providing a good example in working towards that sustainable future.

19.              We, as Rome’s dwellers, are taking the first step today, in reshaping our relationship with nature and to build back better and greener.

20.              Over the next 5 months, FAO and other partners of the Green Garden initiative will host a variety of events that are open to the public.

21.              With the G20 Green Garden web App, we aim to offer an online experience for those who can’t enjoy it in person.

22.              I invite all of you to bring your families and friends to enjoy an interesting walk in the G20 Green Garden, even if only a virtual one.

23.              Let’s walk the talk - together.

24.              Thank you.