JOSH GREEN, Ph.D. honey

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

GOVERNOR GREEN’S ADDRESS AT THE UNITED NATIONS SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

September 17, 2023

HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, MD, spoke today at The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. (SDG) Summit, informing attendees of the Maui wildfires and telling them, “We no longer expect the devastating effects of climate change—we are now fully enduring them.”

Governor Green discussed Hawaii’s efforts to implement policies to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the importance of local leadership in achieving the 2030 goals.

“There is no town, city or human community in the world that is safe from climate change-induced extreme weather like we experienced in Hawaii last month,” Governor Green said. “We’re in this together – we’re all part of one interconnected and interdependent global community.”

Governor Green stated that Hawaii is committed to moving forward with a higher standard than reflected in the Aloha+ Challenge and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“We urge our friends and neighbors in the global community to join us in our commitment to renewable green energy systems, protecting and strengthening our energy grids, and investing in solutions and technologies that can help reverse climate change,” he said.

This is the second time Governor Green has addressed the United Nations Summit with Hawai’i Green Growth. He presented himself for the first time at High-Level Policy Forum on Sustainable Development July 12, providing the only voluntary local assessment at country level on the implementation of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals contained in the Aloha+ Challenge.

Kamehameha School students opened the session with an oil that echoed through the hall. later, Kamehameha Kaʻāmauloa Pathway students presented the second Voluntary Local Review (VLR) in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Prepared in collaboration with public and private stakeholders, this report provided a comprehensive overview of Hawaii’s progress and challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

“The leadership demonstrated by students from Kamehameha Schools is nothing short of outstanding,” said Governor Green. “Their commitment to sustainability and their role in presenting the second VLR in `Ōlelo Hawai`i to the United Nations is a testament to the bright future of Hawai`i and the global community.”

Hawaiʻi Green Growth CEO Celeste Connors said, “Hawaii and island economies understand the challenge of achieving a safe, equitable and resilient future against the backdrop of climate change. Drawing on their experience, they can help the rest of the world navigate a more sustainable path for island land.”

Tomorrow, Governor Green and the Hawaiʻi Green Growth delegation will participate in a panel titled “American Leadership on the Sustainable Development Goals” at a Brookings Institution/UN Foundation event. The 20-minute moderated fireside chat will be moderated by Tony Pipa of Brookings and will provide a platform for in-depth discussions on the critical transitions needed to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The panel discussion will be at 2am CET and is in- person, no live streaming.

The Governor’s speech today and a video of the Hawaii Green Growth delegation are available via UN Web TV.

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Media contacts:

Erika Engle

Press secretary

Office of the Governor of the State of Hawaii

Phone: (808) 586-0120

E-mail address: [email protected]

Makana McClellan

Director of Communications

Office of the Governor of the State of Hawaii

Cell: (808) 265-0083

E-mail address: [email protected]

Patrick Branko

Director of External Affairs and Communications

Hawaiʻi Green Growth

Cell: (808) 230-9457

E-mail address: [email protected]

On the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations:

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. They address global challenges, including those related to poverty, inequality and climate change. , environmental degradation, peace and justice.

About Hawaiʻi Green Growth:

Hawaiʻi Green Growth (HGG) is a public-private partnership that brings together government, business and community leaders to advance sustainability and resilience in Hawaiʻi. HGG works to integrate the Aloha+ Challenge, a statewide sustainability framework, with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure Hawai’i’s long-term well-being and resilience.