Ban to focus on climate change during Trinidad, Tobago visit

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hopes to boost momentum for December's climate change conference in Copenhagen when he meets with political leaders at the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago on Nov. 27, his spokesperson said Thursday.

"The Secretary-General expects to focus the attention of these leaders on key issues that require their engagement in the climate change negotiations, in particular, concerning mitigation and finance," Michele Montas told reporters.

She added that the Commonwealth Meeting is a crucial gathering of leaders in the run-up to the conference set to begin on Dec. 7 in the Danish capital.

"The Secretary-General hopes to boost momentum for an ambitious outcome in Copenhagen that will advance international action on climate change," Montas stated.

In addition to participating in special sessions on climate change, Ban will also hold bilateral meetings with heads of state and government on issues of mutual interest during his two-day visit.

Source: Xinhua