"The objective of the Summit on Climate Change, which I am convening on 22 September, is to mobilize the political will and vision needed to reach an ambitious agreed outcome based on science at the UN climate talks in Copenhagen."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Nearly 100 world leaders accepted UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s invitation to participate in an historic Summit on Climate Change in New York on 22 September to mobilize political will and strengthen momentum for a fair, effective, and ambitious climate deal in Copenhagen this December.

“Failure to reach broad agreement in Copenhagen would be morally inexcusable, economically short-sighted and politically unwise,” the Secretary-General said in his opening address. “Now is the moment to act in common cause.”

"There is little time left. The opportunity and responsibility to avoid catastrophic climate change is in your hands," Mr. Ban said, closing the day-long Summit on Climate Change.

The Summit marked the first UN visit for the Presidents of China and the United States as well as the newly elected Prime Minister of Japan. For the complete list of speakers, please see Programme.

Read the Secretary-General´s summary of the day!