UN chief to urge Commonwealth leaders to reach accord on climate change

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is scheduled to travel to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday for this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Farhan Haq, Ban's associate spokesman, said Wednesday.

During his three-day trip, the secretary-general is expected to urge the leaders to attend next month's Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen and seal a deal. "He is also expected to urge the leaders to stay focused and committed to reach agreement in Copenhagen that is ambitious, equitable, and satisfies the demands of science," Haq said.

"The world cannot afford to fail in Copenhagen because the costs are simply too great, the secretary-general will urge the leaders," he said. "Failure to seal a deal could result in increased human suffering, higher economic losses, opportunities squandered in terms of productivity, global competitiveness and political stability."

The secretary-general will also engage in bilateral talks with a number of leaders on matters of mutual interest, he said, adding that Ban and his delegation are expected back in New York on Sunday.

Source: Xinhua