General Assembly debate addresses sustainable development and climate changeListen /
Scientists, representatives of the business sector and others concerned about sustainable development and climate change are sharing their insights at the United Nations on Thursday.
They are participating in a General Assembly debate on challenges related to the planet's energy and water resources.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber is Minister of State and Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change of the United Arab Emirates.
He says a sustainable future can only be achieved by balancing economic growth, population increase and limited resources. And this balance, he states, rests on three interlinked elements: water, energy and food.
"Water is needed to extract energy and generate power. Energy is needed to treat and transport water. And both water and energy are needed to grow food. Without sustainable access to all three, economic growth and human development cannot thrive, and poverty and conflict cannot be prevented."
Dr. Al Jaber expressed hope that the day-long event at the UN will provide new lessons and opportunities for cooperation.
Dianne Penn, United Nations.