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Jens Stoltenberg, Prime Minister of Norway
Mankind has made tremendous progress since we met in Rio 20 years ago. Life expectancy has increased.
Hundreds of millions have been lifted out of poverty. Communicable diseases are receding. Democracy is
on the rise. And there are far fewer dictatorships.
Still, the challenges facing the planet are unprecedented and extraordinary: poverty, food insecurity, water
shortages and climate change.
This time, Rio is about how we can ensure sustainable development for all, through a greener economy and
an improved institutional framework.
Energy is key to sustainable development. If we want to lift millions of people out of poverty and secure
economic growth, we need to ensure universal access to energy. But we cannot allow greenhouse gas
emissions to increase. In Rio, we have to decide how to reconcile our growing numbers with the carrying
capacity of our planet. None of this can be achieved without the empowerment of women.
As governments, we must provide frameworks that will move us in the right direction. We need to make
bold decisions and take decisive actions. In short, we need to practise good governance in order to secure a
sustainable future.
Jens Stoltenberg
Prime Minister of Norway