Media Advisory: UN Secretary-General’s Special Address on Climate Action: “A Moment of Opportunity”

On July 22, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Yangon time, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres will deliver his flagship climate speech, “A Moment of Opportunity.” He will outline how decisive climate action can drive economic growth, expand energy access and improve people’s well being, framing sustainability as a catalyst for innovation and inclusive development.

WHO: António Guterres, United Nations Secretary‑General
WHEN: Tuesday, 22 July 2025; 7:30 PM (Yangon time)
WHERE: Livestream on UN WebTV and YouTube

***NOTES TO EDITORS***

• All Myanmar‑specific media enquiries should be directed to the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Yangon at unic.yangon@unic.org
• Myanmar ranks among the world’s most climate vulnerable nations: climate‑induced disasters cost roughly 3 percent of GDP each year; cyclones, floods, droughts and heatwaves erode disrupt livelihoods; its 1,930 km coastline and hundreds of islands and diverse ecosystems amplify challenges from rising sea levels and storm surges.
• Climate extremes are intensifying: seasonal cyclones (April–May, October–November) batter coastal areas; monsoon floods wash away farmland and homes; dry‑zone droughts parch soils and deplete water sources; hilly townships face landslides; urban areas may be prone to more heatwaves and flash floods.
• By 2050, warming of 1.3–2.7 °C (up to 3 °C in the hills) may bring up to 17 extreme heat days per month, while sea levels could rise 20–41 cm, worsening coastal inundation.
• Overlapping climate shocks may drive displacement and push more people into urban areas. Resilient, inclusive infrastructure and essential services will be key in community planning. Community‑driven solutions remind us that local action is vital to meeting our global climate goals.