Mr President, Your Excellencies, Distinguished colleagues,

•    As you can see, I’m not here on my own. Let me introduce you to Evi Vet, who is here to represent young people. 
•    We want to youth to be given a voice in environmental policy. This conference is about the future. Their future.
•    It’s up to us to ensure that there is a future for young people. And that there are healthy prospects, for all.

•    Passing on our planet in a better state to the next generations: let’s make thát our number one priority in everything we do.
•    That’s the kind of solidarity that motivates me to take on the challenges we face.  

•    You’re all aware of those challenges: we’re all being confronted with the triple crisis of biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change, while at the same time trying to achieve the sustainable development goals. 
•    Stockholm+50 is making the urgency clear. 
•    So thank you to the government of Sweden for hosting this special conference, together with Kenya. 

•    The Netherlands is calling for more ambition and action in two main areas:

1.    The circular economy: sustainable production and consumption are key solutions in combating the triple crisis. 
2.    Water. Water is crucial to a better future, and we need more global action in this area. That’s why the Netherlands is co-hosting the UN 2023 Water Conference, together with Tajikistan. 

•    We have no time to lose. 
•    So let’s take action, let’s join forces and let’s give young people a voice! And on that note I’d like to give the floor to Evi Vet.