Speaking today at the High-Level Event on Climate Change convened by Sam Kutesa, President of the UN General Assembly, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres spoke about the new, universal climate change agreement slated for adoption in Paris this December. Ms. Figueres gave a brief overview of the emerging agreement, both what it may look like and what challenges must be overcome to make the agreement strong and durable, and urged the high-level audience to inject political impetus into the negotiations to make Paris a shining success.

There is much political will already being displayed. But time is running out and we must now turn that political will into clear leadership – leadership to find the common ground, leadership to raise the collective ambition, leadership to protect the most vulnerable, leadership to answer the call of history.

Never before has it been so evident that we can address both climate change and sustainable development with the same measures. This is your moment to ensure we create jobs, ensure energy access, safeguard food and water, improve health and protect economic and social stability for the future.

Read the full speech here.

See more information on the event here.