The Sustainability Medal 2024
Recipients 2024
President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon are the recipients of the Medal of Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability.
President Claudia Sheinbaum
Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability Medal
As the former Mayor of Mexico City, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum implemented progressive policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban development. Her initiatives included expanding public transportation, enhancing green spaces, and encouraging cycling. She has been a strong advocate for climate action, emphasizing the crucial role of cities in addressing global environmental challenges.
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Dr. Sheinbaum prioritized community involvement in sustainability efforts, fostering grassroots participation and ensuring that residents had a voice in environmental decision-making.
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Under her leadership, Mexico City committed to ambitious climate goals aligned with international agreements. She championed the transition to renewable energy sources, advocating for solar power and other clean technologies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
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Recognizing the vulnerabilities of urban areas to climate change, she also focused on building resilience through sustainable infrastructure and disaster preparedness programs.
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability Medal
As UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon played a pivotal role in advancing the global climate agenda, notably through the Paris Agreement, which set a framework for countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. He was instrumental in establishing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 SDGs aimed at addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
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Ban Ki-moon has linked sustainability with human rights, advocating for equitable solutions that address the needs of vulnerable populations affected by environmental issues. He fostered international cooperation on sustainability issues, encouraging collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society to achieve common goals.
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Even after his tenure, he has remained an active advocate for climate action and sustainability through initiatives like the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens. His dedication to creating a sustainable future has had a lasting impact on global environmental policies and initiatives.
