Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General at the adoption of the decision of the 13th Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC

The Secretary-General strongly welcomes the outcome of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali. At the outset of the Conference he laid out three fundamental benchmarks for success: launching negotiations on a global climate change agreement; agreeing to an agenda for the negotiations; and agreeing to complete them by 2009. The Bali Roadmap that has been adopted achieves all three of these objectives.

 

He is also greatly encouraged that agreements were reached that will help the international community to begin to address key challenges immediately, particularly with regard to enhanced action on adaptation measures, the dissemination of technology, and combating deforestation. While these will all be long term challenges, he is particularly pleased that work in each of these areas received a boost in Bali and that accelerated work can begin now.

 

The Secretary-General believes that the Bali Roadmap that has been agreed is a pivotal first step toward an agreement that can address the threat of climate change, the defining challenge of our time.

 

The Secretary-General would like to thank the Government of Indonesia for hosting the conference and for providing the leadership necessary for its successful conclusion.

 

The Secretary-General appreciates the spirit of cooperation shown by all parties to achieve an outcome that stands to benefit all humanity.