United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen have endorsed efforts by Commonwealth leaders to ensure consensus on an agreement regarding climate change.


They made the statement during a joint news conference this evening in the briefing room at the International Financial Centre.


The Danish Prime Minster said, over the next week, leading up to the Copenhagen conference, leaders will build momentum and Denmark will do its utmost to encourage open minds and the will to reach consensus.


Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary General said many countries have developed ambitious targets to reduce emissions but after discussions with leaders it has been agreed that the host, Prime Minister Patrick Manning, will give details at a briefing tomorrow.


The Secretary General said meetings have been very constructive and useful and all leaders wish very strongly that there must be a deal in Copenhagen. He emphasised that the concerns of Small Island Developing States should be given priority.

Denmark’s Prime Minister noted that this 21st Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting provided a unique opportunity to discuss challenges, since the Commonwealth covers so many member countries. Rasmussen added that he was impressed with the engagement by leaders and the recent proposal to fast-track negotiations in Copenhagen by establishing a fund of 10 billion dollars to encourage implementation of recommendations.

Questioned by a journalist about Copenhagen not becoming another talk shop, Ban Ki-Moon assured that the meeting next month will be substantive and will result in concrete figures forming the foundation of a legally binding agreement, which must be implemented by 2010. The Secretary General stated he was convinced that the Copenhagen meeting would reach strong agreement on climate change and developmental issues. He confirmed that the United Nations will establish a committee on climate change and development.

Denmark’s Prime Minister reiterated that there was a two-fold purpose to the meeting. First, to give guidance to countries on legal negotiations and secondly, to agree on building Bali Blocks in such a way, as to ensure that all items on the agenda can be implemented immediately.


“We are quite close to sealing a deal based on mutual trust. The funding facility of 10 billion dollars to fast-track initiatives is an effort to bridge the gaps previously established. Countries with the highest emissions per capita have a greater responsibility to reductions in the short term. He added that “There is also a responsibility for developing countries to move quickly to cleaner energy and sustainable development.”


With regard to Copenhagen, the Secretary General said climate change impacts all levels of life and concerns need to be addressed in a broad and comprehensive manner, with sustainable development as a priority. Without addressing climate security, he said, there cannot be food security. He confirmed a high-level United Nations panel will address the agreement and recommendations at Copenhagen. The Secretary General declared that Copenhagen must define the means by which resources can be generated and everyone needs to get on board. He extended an open invitation to all world leaders to attend the Copenhagen conference.


The Danish Prime Minister, in turn said, after consulting with world leaders and CHOGM Heads, a conclusion was very clear that an ambitious deal must be made in Copenhagen. “We know the problem; we know the solutions and what we need to do. A successful decision is within our reach. What is needed is a shared vision to build political momentum, mitigation, finance and technical exchanges.”  The Danish Prime Minister also stated that “we need to agree on the financial architecture and the pledging procedure”.