The Secretary-General met today in Paris with the President of the French Republic, H. E. Mr. François Hollande.

They discussed the latest developments in the lead up to the Climate Change Conference in Paris in December (COP-21) as well as the next steps to be taken to ensure an ambitious outcome. In this regard, they noted the importance of, and different ways of engaging Heads of State and Governments on climate change, including on the margins of the 70th session of the General Assembly in New York in September as well as at other meetings involving leaders.  They also agreed on the importance of generating signals about the climate finance package for COP-21 as early as possible, such as at the meeting of Finance Ministers in Lima in October.  They also agreed on the importance of operationalizing the Green Climate Fund, and of reaching out to all Member States to further accelerate momentum in the coming months.

They also discussed a number of peace and security issues, including the situation in Ukraine, Syria, Libya and the Middle East Peace Process. On the Central African Republic, they noted progress towards elections and restoring security. The Secretary-General stressed his resolve and commitment in addressing issues of misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, by UN peacekeepers.

In the aftermath of his visit to Nigeria, the Secretary-General and President Hollande also discussed the threat of Boko Haram across the region and the need to address violent extremism everywhere.

Paris, 25 August 2015