UN Secretary-General Called To Lead Example And Go Plant-based

The Vegan Society backed calls for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to adopt a plant-based diet.

The charity has signed an open letter alongside 46 others including politicians, journalists, actors, singers and 23 international NGOs such as the Portuguese Vegetarian Association, European Vegetarian Union, Million Dollar Vegan and WWF.  The coalition urges Mr Guterres, a contributor to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, to update his plate and in turn have a more positive impact on the planet.

The letter is a part of Plead for Planet campaign. It was sent on Sustainable Gastronomy Day (18 June) acknowledges Mr Guterres’ past warnings on the growing threat of climate change, which he’s previously referred to as "the battle of [his] life” before quoting the 2021 UN report “Making Peace with Nature”. It ends by pleading with Mr Guterres to align his actions with the available scientific evidence and set an example to his grandchildren, the youth and other world leaders. 

Portuguese Vegetarian Association launched The Plead for Planet Campaign in 2020. The campaign is the result of several national and international entities coming together around a common goal: to raise awareness globally on the benefits of a plant-based diet. 

Louise Davies, CEO of The Vegan Society said: “Leadership by example is vital in tackling the climate crisis, and this includes changing diets. There’s enough evidence to show that switching to a plant-based diet can play an important part in our climate solutions. It also has the potential to unlock several other benefits including reducing water and land use.”

“That’s why we’re delighted to be supporting Plead for Planet and hope today’s letter encourages not only Mr Guterres but other people in power to change their ways and start following a diet that is kinder for animals and the environment.”

Sustainable Gastronomy Day was instituted by the UN in 2016 to highlight the environmental benefits of sustainable gastronomy, promote agricultural development, food security, nutrition, sustainable food production and conservation.

Join The Vegan Society’s Plate Up for the Planet pledge today.