Inauguration of the SDGs Tree of Action

Inauguration of the SDGs Tree of Action

Speaking Points

For

Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General

As prepared

Rome, 8 December 2021

Excellences,

Dear Friends,

Buona Sera (Good Evening),

1.         I am so delighted to be with you this evening to inaugurate this year’s special joint project in Rome during the festive season. That is a first of Many Firsts in the FAO history again since August of 2019.

 

2.         It is an honour for FAO to join you for this annual tradition, which this year is even more significant.

 

3.         Together, we are inviting the people of Rome to share the gift of sustainability.

 

4.         I wish to thank His Excellency Minister Giovannini, for his presence this evening, and for his support.

 

5.         I also thank the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, for his personal commitment to this important and visible project.

 

6.         Although he could not be with us this evening, I also wish to extend my appreciation to His Excellency Minister Di Maio, and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, for their continued support.

 

7.         I also wish to thank the Rome Municipality, ACEA and local authorities for their contribution.

 

8.         What better gift can we give our children and grandchildren, than a sustainably better future!

 

9.         The gifts under this “Tree of Action” represent the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

 

10.       And are a roadmap for how each of us can take simple actions to be part of the change.

 

11.       Thanks to the sustainable installations and digital APPs, we can all learn more about the sustainable actions that each of us can do in our daily life.

 

12.       We need to work together to make our society both cities and rural areas more sustainable for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all – and leaving no one behind!

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),

 

13.       A few months ago, Mayor Gualtieri and I were among those who rolled up our sleeves to plant trees in the G20 Green Garden.

 

14.       A sustainable future starts with each one of us, right here and now!

 

15.       Every decision we make has an impact on the future of our society and our planet - the future of our children and grandchildren.

 

16.       I wish you all a Safe and Sound, Healthy and Happy festive season.

 

17.       Buon Natale! (Merry Christmas)

 

18.       Grazie! (Thank you)