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United Nations Climate Change Conference - Poznań, Poland Lays Foundation for
Copenhagen Deal
13 December 2008
Poznań, Poland
The United Nations Climate Change Conference - Poznań, Poland ended early Saturday with a
clear commitment from governments to shift into full negotiating mode next year in order to
shape an ambitious and effective international response to climate change, to be agreed in
Copenhagen at the end of 2009.
Press release (133 kB) fr
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esp (191 kB) rus
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UNFCCC chief welcomes EU deal on climate
12 December 2008
Poznań, Poland
The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),
Yvo de Boer, welcomed the news that the European Union has reached an agreement on climate
change. "The European Union's climate deal sends a clear message to the negotiations
in Poznań and onwards to Copenhagen that difficult roadblocks can be overcome and
resolved," he said.
Statement (34 kB)
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Statement by United Nations Secretary-General Ban-Ki moon at the opening of the
High-Level Segment of COP 14 in Poznań
11 December 2008
Poznań, Poland
In a speech at the opening of the High-Level Segment of the Conference, UN Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon called for global solidarity on climate change. He said that the current crises of
climate change and the global economy presented an opportunity to address both challenges
simultaneously, and that a new Green Deal spurring green growth would work for all nations,
rich as well as poor.
Statement (76 kB)
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Fourth Meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board
Bonn, Germany
15-17 December 2008
More
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Statement by Yvo de Boer at the opening of the High-Level Segment of COP 14 in
Poznań
11 December 2008
Poznań, Poland
Addressing Ministers and Heads of State gathered for the High-Level Segment of the the
Conference, Yvo de Boer urged them to show leadership on climate change, and to fulfil the
promise they made to the world - the Bali Road Map – in response to the greatest threat
hanging over humanity. He also called on them to show the world how they intended to deliver
these promises together.
Statement (80 kB)
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High-level Segment of the United Nations Climate Change Conference - Poznań,
Poland set to begin
10 December 2008
Poznań, Poland
The High-level Segment of the gathering of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) is set to begin on Thursday with speeches by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,
four Heads of State and Government, as well as 145 Environment Ministers and senior government
representatives.
Ministers from the 189 countries attending the Conference will converge for the first time
since the landmark UN climate meeting in Bali to discuss a path forward toward a new global
climate change deal.
Press release (152 kB)
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REDD Web Platform
A web platform aimed at sharing information on reducing
emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) in developing countries was launched
recently. Through this web portal, developing countries can better access information made
available by Parties, relevant organizations and stakeholders in a number of related
areas.
REDD Web
Platform
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Forty-fourth meeting of the CDM Executive Board - CDM EB
44
Poznań, Poland
26-28 November 2008
The forty-fourth meeting of the CDM Executive Board concluded on 28 November.
More
 View
On-demand webcast
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Thirteenth meeting of the Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee - JISC
13
Poznań, Poland
27-28 November 2008
The thirteenth meeting of the Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee (JISC) concluded on
28 November. The JISC considered a number of issues with regard to the operation of the Track
2 procedure it oversees, and related governance matters.
More
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On-demand webcast
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United Nations Climate Change Conference - Poznań, Poland Gets Underway with Calls
for Urgent Need for Progress in Designing Copenhagen Deal
1 December 2008
Poznań, Poland
The United Nations Climate Change Conference - Poznań, Poland kicked off Monday, 1
December. The two-week meeting, the fourteenth Conference of the 192 Parties to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the fourth meeting of the 183
Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, is the halfway mark in the negotiations on an ambitious and
effective international response to climate change. The deal is to be clinched in Copenhagen at
the end of 2009 and will take effect in 2013, the year after the first phase of the Kyoto
Protocol expires.
Press release (168 kB)
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Statement by Yvo de Boer at the opening of the fourteenth session of the Conference of
the Parties (COP 14), Poznań, 1 December 2008
1 December 2008
Poznań, Poland
In an address at the opening of the Climate Change conference in Poznań, UNFCCC Executive
Secretary Yvo de Boer told delegates that they needed to make important decisions that would
lay a solid foundation for an ambitious agreed outcome in Copenhagen, and urged them to focus
on what united them rather than what divided them.
Statement (36 kB)
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Latest edition of the UNFCCC newsletter
26 November 2008
Bonn, Germany
In this final edition of the newsletter for 2008, the spotlight is on the Climate Change
Conference in Poznań, Poland. Real progress needs to be made in the negotiations in
Poznań in order to reach an ambitious international climate change deal in Copenhagen
next year.
Newsletter
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary: "Africa needs to be tied into the international
response to climate change, both with regard to adaptation, as well as
mitigation."
Algiers, Algeria
19 November 2008
In a speech to the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment in Algiers, Yvo de Boer
said that an agreed outcome at Copenhagen must be more Africa-friendly and spur enabling
support for the continent. He stressed that the international climate change process has the
opportunity to move towards a self-financing climate compact that can generate such support
for Africa and other developing countries, not least by expanding the carbon market.
Speech (177 kB)
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UNFCCC Deputy Executive Secretary: “One has to contemplate nothing less than a
transformation of the global economy to a low-emissions development path”
California, USA
19 November 2008
Addressing the Governors’ Global Climate Summit in Beverly Hills, Richard Kinley
highlighted that practical state-level action can be an important step towards a low-emissions
global economy. Furthermore, he emphasized that action at the state level can be a major
contributor to the ability of national governments to commit to ambitious targets
internationally.
Speech (103 kB)
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UNFCCC Press Conference:
Press briefing on Key Greenhouse Gas
Data and expected outcomes of Poznań
UNFCCC Headquarters
Bonn, Germany
17 November 2008
Press release (175 kB)
esp (136 kB)
fr (156 kB)
rus (201 kB)
"Rising industrialized countries emissions underscore urgent need for political action
on climate change at Poznań meeting"
Presentation
UNFCCC Data 2008: highlights
More
View On-demand webcast
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary: "Copenhagen 2009 needs to set a clear overall
direction for future global climate change action that rings in a global green
revolution."
Rotterdam, Netherlands
12 November 2008
On the occasion of the Club de Madrid's General Assembly, Yvo de Boer addressed the special
session of the Global Leadership for Climate Action. He pointed out that in the context of the
financial crisis, Copenhagen 2009 represents an opportunity to establish a framework for a new
green deal that will help put the economy back on its feet. He also highlighted the political
essentials needed for an ambitious agreed outcome in Copenhagen.
Speech (192 kB)
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Meeting on experiences with performance indicators for monitoring and evaluation of
capacity-building
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
6-7 November 2008
The meeting focused on experiences on using performance indicators at the national
level.
More
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Workshop on Investment and Financial Flows to address Climate Change - An
Update
Bonn, Germany
10-11 November 2008
The UNFCCC secretariat is about to publish an update of its publication entitled
"Investment and Financial Flows to Address Climate Change." The objective of the
workshop was to share the key findings of the update and to receive feedback, identify gaps
and prioritize needs for further work on investment and financial flows to address climate
change that can be undertaken by interested organizations.
More
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary: "A new technology mechanism could unleash the full
potential of technology and connect the world through innovation and technology
cooperation."
Beijing, China
7 November 2008,
On the occasion of the opening of the Beijing High-Level Conference on Climate Change:
Technology Development and Technology Transfer, Yvo de Boer pointed out that current
arrangements for technology transfer have been insufficient. He stressed that technology and
finance underpin enhanced mitigation and adaptation action, and that technology is crucial for
an ambitious outcome in Copenhagen 2009.
Speech (157 kB)
more
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Meeting of the Expert Group on Technology Transfer (EGTT)
Dublin, Ireland
21-23 October 2008
At this fourth and final meeting for this year, the Group discussed several key issues which
will serve as input to the Ad hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the
Convention.
More
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Pre-sessional workshop on the second review of the Kyoto Protocol pursuant to its
Article 9
Athens, Greece
22-23 October 2008
This pre-sessional workshop was held in preparation for the second review of the Kyoto
Protocol pursuant to its Article 9, which will take place at Poznań in December. The
workshop achieved its main objective, which was to get a good understanding of positions of
Parties and an assessment of what can be achieved in Poznan and how. Central to the exchange
of views were the issues of: improving the mechanisms; extending the share of proceeds to
Joint Implementation and Emissions Trading to meet the costs of adaptation; and facilitating
participation in the Clean Development Mechanism.
More
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary: "Given the limited time available between now and the
Conference in Copenhagen next year, it is critical that the Climate Change Conference in
Poznań delivers concrete results."
New York, USA
27 October 2008
In a statement to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Yvo de Boer stressed the
importance of the upcoming negotiations in Poznań. He said Ministers meeting in
Poznań must give a strong political signal to move towards a shared vision for long-term
cooperative action on climate change.
Speech (148 kB)
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UNFCCC secretariat launches "Changing Lives" photo contest
Bonn, Germany
27 October 2008
The UNFCCC secretariat is pleased to launch "Changing Lives", a photo contest to
raise awareness about the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism. Whether it's a
photo highlighting the employment opportunities created by CDM, the greening of industry, or
the lighting of a community or a kitchen table, the judging panel wants to see your vision of
this remarkable, innovative mechanism. The secretariat will begin accepting entries on 1
November through a dedicated upload facility linked to the CDM website. Entry is free. Take
your best shot!
more
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Pre-sessional workshop on the second review of the Kyoto Protocol pursuant to its
Article 9
Athens, Greece
22-23 October 2008
This pre-sessional workshop was held in preparation for the second review of the Kyoto Protocol
pursuant to its Article 9, which will take place at Poznań in December.
More
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Forty-third meeting of the CDM Executive Board - CDM EB 43
Santiago, Chile
22-24 October 2008
The proposed agenda and its annotations for the forty-third meeting of the CDM Executive Board
are now available online.
More
 View
On-demand webcast
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary: "Africa must seize the window of opportunity that the
UN climate change negotiating process provides."
Cotonou, Republic of Benin
21 October 2008
Addressing a ministerial conference on climate change held in the Republic of Benin, Ms. June
Budhooram, on behalf of Yvo de Boer, said that the current negotiations on the road to
Copenhagen present African countries with a golden opportunity to change things for the better
and design a Copenhagen deal that works for Africa. For this to happen, it is crucial that
African countries put their concerns on the table and push for solutions that help Africa adapt
to the impacts of climate change, that boost technology transfer and capacity-building and that
green Africa’s economic growth.
Speech (168 kB)
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Yvo de Boer briefs the press ahead of the Poznań Conference
New
York, USA
10 October 2008
At the noon briefing at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Yvo de Boer spoke about
expectations for the UN Climate Change Conference in Poznań and how it could be impacted
by the current financial crisis.
View On-demand webcast
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The Kyoto Mechanisms: Key to combating climate change?
New York, USA
9 October 2008
The UN’s top climate change official Yvo de Boer and US economist Jeffrey Sachs took part
in a debate on the merits of the carbon market in cutting global greenhouse gas emissions. The
debate took place against the background of the current global financial crisis.
View On-demand webcast
Statement by Yvo de Boer (182 kB)
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Fifth meeting of the Compliance Committee
Bonn, Germany
6-9 October 2008
The fifth meeting of the plenary of the Compliance Committee of the Kyoto Protocol was held in
Bonn, Germany from 8 to 9 October 2008. This meeting was preceded by the sixth meeting of the
enforcement branch, which took place from 6 to 7 October 2008 and the sixth meeting of the
facilitative branch, which took place on 7 October 2008. The meetings were held at the
Wissenschaftszentrum, Ahrstrasse 45, Bonn. Documents are available on the Compliance pages of
the UNFCCC website.
More (79 kB)
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On-demand webcast
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Latest edition of the UNFCCC newsletter
8 October 2008
The latest edition of the UNFCCC newsletter focuses on progress made at the latest round of
Climate Change Talks held in Accra in August. The next issue in November will look ahead to the
Poznań Conference, a major milestone on the road to Copenhagen 2009.
Newsletter
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Training of Trainers workshop held on preparing technology transfer projects for
financing
Vienna, Austria
29 September - 1 October 2008
Participants were trained in preparing project proposals for financing, in particular project
proposals related to environmentally sound technologies to mitigate and/or adapt to climate
change. Special attention was given to financial aspects such as financial structuring and risk
management. The UNFCCC will organize regional training workshops in Africa, Asia and the
Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean in 2009. More
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Forty-second meeting of the CDM Executive Board - CDM EB 42
Bonn,
Germany
24-26 September 2008
The report of the forty-second meeting of the CDM Executive Board is now available
online.
More
View On-demand webcast
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From refrigerators, to cable cars, to solar lights, Kyoto Protocol mechanism evolves to
meet demand for clean, sustainable development
Bonn, Germany
26 September 2008
The way is clear for the launch of a wide array of new projects in the energy efficiency and
renewable areas, ranging from refrigerators to solar-power high-efficiency lights and
geothermal heat for developing country households, under the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean
Development Mechanism (CDM), opening significant opportunities to cut greenhouse gas emissions
and support sustainable development at the same time.
Press release (119 kB)
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary: “Copenhagen 2009 needs to be a strong and ambitious
policy framework that sets a clear overall direction for future global climate change
action”
The Hague, Netherlands
25 September 2008
In a speech given in the Hague on the development dimensions of a new global climate change
agreement, Yvo de Boer outlined the essentials to be included in an agreed outcome in
Copenhagen. Since future global climate change action should not jeopardize developing
countries’ overriding goals of poverty eradication and economic growth, he said that
Copenhagen 2009 had to open the door for viable, climate-friendly economic growth on a global
scale.
Speech (202 kB)
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Third meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board
Bonn, Germany
15-18 September 2008
More
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12th meeting of the Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee
(JISC-12)
Bonn, Germany
11-12 September 2008
The proposed agenda and its annotations for the twelfth meeting of the Joint Implementation
Supervisory Committee (JISC) are now available online.
More
View On-demand webcast
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary: The agreed outcome in Copenhagen 2009 needs to be ambitious
on all fronts of climate change abatement
Pohnpei, Micronesia
12 September 2008
Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, addressed Heads of State and Government, as
well as Ministers on the occasion of the Ministerial Segment of the 19th meeting of the
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme in Pohnpei, Micronesia. He stressed
that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have much to gain under a strong agreed outcome in
Copenhagen 2009. This includes both mitigation support and - crucially, increased funding for
adaptation. Mr. de Boer called on SIDS to be more vocal regarding their needs under an agreed
outcome in Copenhagen and to bring elaborated proposals for solutions to the
negotiations.
Speech (117 kB)
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Lecture by Yvo de Boer, “The need for global low-emissions economic
development” at Korea Green Foundation
Seoul, Republic of Korea
9 September 2008
The lecture provides an overview of climate change science and the state-of-play of the
negotiations under the Bali Road Map. The central theme of the lecture focuses on the need for
Copenhagen 2009 to ring in a global low-emissions economic development plan.
Summary (115 kB)
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Joint Implementation (JI) Technical Workshop
Bonn, Germany
9 -10 September 2008
The fifth JI workshop is intended to allow the Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee
(JISC) to consider its experiences in supervising the verification procedure under the JISC (JI
Track 2 procedure), including the experiences of the applicant independent entities.
More
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary: Public Understanding of Climate Change Crucial to Securing
Copenhagen Deal
Geneva, Switzerland
31 August 2008
In a speech in Geneva to mark the 20th anniversary of the IPCC, Roberto Acosta, on behalf of
UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer, praised the achievement of the IPCC in opening the
world’s eyes to climate change. He stressed that public understanding of climate change
played a crucial role in securing the political commitment necessary to reach a strong agreed
outcome in Copenhagen in 2009.
Statement (101 kB)
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UN Climate Change Negotiations Speed up in Accra
Accra, Ghana
27 August 2008
The latest round of UN-sponsored global Climate Change Talks in Accra, Ghana concluded
Wednesday with clear signals that the pace of negotiations to get to a deal on long-term
strengthened international action on climate change is picking up. Important progress was made
in Accra on a number of key issues for the deal, to be clinched at the Climate Change
Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. Furthermore, Parties under the Kyoto Protocol
advanced their work on the tools and rules available to developed countries to set ambitious
reduction targets beyond 2012.
Press release (128 kB)
esp (196 kB) fra
(215 kB) rus
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Accra UN Climate Change Talks Kick off With Warning That “Clock Is Ticking
Down” to New International Climate Change Deal in Copenhagen
Accra, Ghana
21 August 2008
The latest round of UN-sponsored global climate change negotiations got underway Thursday in
Accra, Ghana. More than 1600 participants, including government delegates from 160 countries
and representatives from business and industry, environmental organizations and research
institutions are attending the one-week meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change
Press release (130 kB)
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Statement by the Executive Secretary at the opening of the Accra Climate Change Talks
2008
Accra, Ghana
21 August 2008
Addressing delegates at the opening of the Accra Climate Change Talks, UNFCCC Executive
Secretary Yvo de Boer said there was “little time left to get a solid negotiating text on
the table” before the crucial meeting in Copenhagen in 2009. He stressed that
"concrete proposals for solutions from all Governments” were necessary to drive the
process forward.
Statement (124 kB)
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New-look UNFCCC newsletter
The UNFCCC newsletter has been relaunched with a new design and more substantive content, with
a view to keeping readers better informed of the international climate change process at this
important juncture.
Newsletter
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CDM EB 41 - meeting report now available
The forty-first meeting of
the CDM Executive Board concluded on 2 August. The report of the meeting, including its
annexes, is now available.
More
View
On-demand webcast
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Forty-first meeting of the CDM Executive Board - CDM EB 41
Bonn,
Germany
30 July - 2 August 2008
The proposed agenda and its annotations for the
forty-first meeting of the CDM Executive Board are now available online.
more
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International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) launches new aviation carbon
calculator
Montreal , Canada
22 July 2008
The ICAO has launched a new carbon calculator for the aviation industry. It calculates carbon
dioxide only, and does not include other greenhouse gases, since the scientific community has
not yet agreed on how to calculate multipliers. The calculator has been approved by the
Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection, and was developed with input from aviation
experts, manufacturers and airlines.
ICAO carbon
calculator
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UN Secretary-General BAN calls on G8 countries to agree to ambitious mid-term emission
reduction targets
10 July 2008
Whilst welcoming the statement of the G8 on climate change and the environment made in
Hokkaido, Japan, this week, UN Secretary-General BAN-Ki moon called on G8 countries to agree to
ambitious mid-term emission reduction targets for developed countries by next year in
Copenhagen.
Secretary-General's
statement
G8 website
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Important communication from the COP 14/CMP 4 host country team to Parties regarding
accommodation in Poznań
More
(81 kB)
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Information Note, Fellowship Programme
10 July 2008
The United Nations Climate Change secretariat announces the launch of its fellowship programme,
the objective of which is to contribute to building capacity for addressing climate change in
Parties not included to Annex I to the Convention, in particular Parties that are small island
developing States or least developed countries.
Information note (137 kB)
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Address by Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary at the World Petroleum
Congress
Madrid, Spain
3 July 2008
Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, today addressed the World Petroleum Congress,
outlining the Bali Road Map and the need for the petroleum industry to become fully involved
in the solution to climate change, including by implementing Carbon Capture and Storage
demonstration projects. The statement also invites the petroleum industry to provide their
insights on a Copenhagen agreed outcome in 2009.
Speech (51 kB)
more
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Eleventh meeting of the Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee - JISC 11
concluded
Bonn, Germany
16 - 17 June 2008
The eleventh meeting of the Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee (JISC) concluded on 17
June. At the meeting, the JISC addressed a number of issues regarding the accreditation of
independent entities and the JISC verification procedure. The report of the meeting is
available on the UNFCCC JI website.
more
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On-demand webcast
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Substantial new funding in sustainable energy sector - new report by United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP)
1 July 2008
According to the UNEP report "Global Trends in Sustainable Energy Investment 2008",
released 1 July, over 148 billion USD in new funding entered the sustainable energy sector in
2007. Responding to the report, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer said, "The
positive trend in the renewable energy market is at least in part a business response to a
policy expectation. If that expectation is not met, the conventional bottom-line will be the
main driver for investment decisions."
more
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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to call for short- and medium-term CO2 targets at G8
summit in Japan
26 June 2008
Urging world leaders to press forward in devising a strengthened international climate change
agreement, Mr. Ban said: “In Hokkaido, I will ask for short- and medium-term targets for
reducing greenhouse gases. It is not enough to talk of change by 2050. If we want real change,
we must begin now – with targets for real progress by 2020.”
more
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Climate Change Convention Parties discuss methodological issues on how to reduce
emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries
Tokyo, Japan
25 - 27 June 2008
140 delegates from more than 60 UNFCCC Parties and international organizations gathered in
Tokyo from 25 to 27 June to continue their discussions on methodological matters related to
the reduction of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing
countries.
more
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John Kilani appointed Director in support of Kyoto Protocol carbon market
mechanisms
Bonn, Germany
24 June 2008
Mr. John Kilani has accepted the post of Director of the Sustainable Development Mechanisms
(SDM) programme at the United Nations climate change secretariat. The appointment was announced
by UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer, who expressed his confidence in the new Director,
set to take up duties later this summer.
Press release (217 kB)
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Progress made at second meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board
Bonn,
Germany
16 - 19 June 2008
Important issues were discussed at this second meeting, where the work plan of the Board for
2008 was adopted. The report of the first meeting was also adopted, although several issues
relating to the role and responsibilities of the Adaptation Fund Board remained
unresolved.
Summary
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2nd meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board
Bonn, Germany
16 - 19 June 2008
The second meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board took place at the Federal Ministry for
Economic Cooperation and Development, Dahlmannstr. 4, Bonn, Germany, from 16 - 19 June.
more
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UNFCCC Deputy Executive Secretary Richard Kinley urges the energy sector to show
leadership in tackling climate change
Barcelona, Spain
16 June 2008
In an address to executives from the European electricity industry gathered in Barcelona,
UNFCCC Deputy Executive Secretary Richard Kinley called on the energy sector to actively engage
in efforts to craft a future climate change agreement.
Speech (38 kB)
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Bonn UN Climate Change Conference Concludes with Calls to Step up Pace of Negotiations
Leading up to 2009 Copenhagen Agreement
Bonn, Germany
13 June 2008
The latest round of UN-sponsored global climate change negotiations concluded Friday in Bonn,
Germany with calls to step up the pace of negotiations in the run-up to a crucial climate
change summit next year.
Press release (134 kB)
esp (166 kB)
fra (179 kB)
rus (215 kB)
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Decision by the enforcement branch of the Compliance Committee not to proceed on
question of non-compliance
Bonn, Germany
15 June 2008
The fifth meeting of the enforcement branch of the Compliance Committee concluded on 15 June
with the decision not to proceed further regarding a question of non-compliance with respect
to Canada. On-demand webcast coverage of the proceedings is available via the link
below.
more
View
On-demand webcast
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New UN atlas shows effects of climate change in Africa
A new atlas has
been unveiled by UNEP showing the dramatic effects of climate change. The publication features
over 300 satellite images taken in every country in Africa .The 'before' and
'after' photographs, some of which span a 35-year period, offer striking snapshots of
environmental changes across the continent.
website
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OECD Forum 2008 on Climate Change
Paris, France
3 June 2008
Speaking at the OECD Forum 2008 on Climate Change, Growth and Stability in Paris, Executive
Secretary, Yvo de Boer, spoke of how a Copenhagen deal in 2009 can change the direction of
economic growth by putting in place a clever set of tools that reward innovation and
entrepreneurial initiatives that lead to a low emissions economy.
Speech (35 kB)
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Latest Round of Crucial UN Climate Change Negotiations Kick Off in Bonn
Bonn, Germany
2 June 2008
The latest round of UN-sponsored global climate change negotiations got underway Monday in
Bonn, Germany. More than 2,400 participants, including government delegates from 172 countries
and representatives from business and industry, environmental organizations and research
institutions are attending the two-week meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change.
Press release (133 kB)
esp (137 kB)
fra (156 kB)
rus (204 kB)
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World Environment Day
5 June 2008
World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles
through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances
political attention and action.The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is Kick the
Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy.
more
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Outcome of 2nd meeting of the Expert Group on Technology Transfer
Bonn,
Germany
29 - 30 May 2008
The overall objective of the meeting was to develop the terms of reference for a strategy
paper on facilitating the development, deployment, diffusion and transfer of technologies
under the Convention beyond 2012.
more
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary calls on transport sector to proactively help shape
Copenhagen Climate Change Deal
Leipzig, Germany
29 May 2008
Speaking at the International Transport Forum in Leipzig, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de
Boer called on key stakeholders in the transport sector to help shape the UN climate change
deal that will be clinched in Copenhagen at the end of 2009. According to the International
Energy Agency, global emissions from transport are expected to increase by 80% by 2030 should
political action not be taken.
Speech (150 kB)
Press release (145 kB)
fra (139 kB)
esp (151 kB)
rus (162 kB)
deu (143 kB)
website
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary talks on how climate change impacts may drive conflict and
fuel other drivers of conflict
The Hague, the Netherlands
22 May 2008
In an address as part of the Hague debates series, Yvo de Boer spoke of the nexus between
migration and climate change, and the possible security implications. He said that
appropriate climate change abatement could reduce these security concerns.
Speech (259 kB)
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Memorandum of Understanding on the exchange of CDM data
22 May 2008
The UNFCCC secretariat has signed the first memorandums of understanding with two important
CDM information providers that should result in their receiving a faster, smoother flow of
CDM data.
more
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Convention on Biological Diversity - CBD, COP 9
Bonn, Germany
19 - 30 May 2008
The ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 9),
which took place in Bonn, concluded on 30 May.
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary addresses Carbon Expo
Cologne, Germany
9 May 2008
Yvo de Boer gave a presentation at Carbon Expo on 9 May, outlining the importance of the
carbon market in climate change abatement. Parties to the Kyoto Protocol have clearly
indicated that the mechanisms including the CDM, emissions trading and JI, have a future
beyond 2012, but that they should be enhanced. While the details of this need to be worked
out, such an enhancement needs to ensure that all developing countries benefit from the
market and that this constitutes a step towards a global low-emissions economic development
plan.
Speech (108 kB)
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary addresses European Patent Forum
Lubljana, Slovenia
7 May 2008
In a speech given today at the European Patent Forum in Lubljana, Slovenia, Yvo de Boer
emphasized the importance of technology development and transfer to developing countries. He
further stressed the need to identify workable ways of handling intellectual property rights
and patents to unleash the full potential of technology in the fight against climate
change.
Speech (67 kB) Presentation
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International Day for Biological Diversity - 22 May 2008
This year’s theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD),
“Biodiversity and Agriculture,” seeks to highlight the importance of sustainable
agriculture not only to preserve biodiversity, but also to ensure that we will be able to
feed the world, maintain agricultural livelihoods, and enhance human well being into the 21st
century and beyond.
more
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Workshop to prepare the second review of the Kyoto Protocol
Bonn,
Germany
28-29 April 2008
A workshop was held in Bonn from 28-29 April to discuss the views of Parties to the Kyoto
Protocol (KP) on how to address a number of issues related to the Protocol. Topics under
discussion included meeting the costs of adaptation, and the scope, effectiveness and
functioning of the KP mechanisms, such as the Clean Development Mechanism. A summary of the
outcome will be posted as soon as it is available. more
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary addresses Forum on Climate Change and Science &
Technology Innovation in Beijing
Beijing, China
24-25 April 2008
Yvo de Boer delivered a speech at the Forum on Climate Change and Science & Technology
Innovation in Beijing, and stressed the importance of technology development and transfer in
tackling climate change and its impacts.
Speech (52 kB) more
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Address by Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change on behalf of Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon at the Third Major Economies
Meeting
Paris, France
17 April 2008
Speech (38 kB)
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Decision on non-compliance reached by enforcement branch of the Compliance
Committee
Bonn, Germany
16-17 April 2008
The fourth meeting of the enforcement branch of the Compliance Committee under the Kyoto
Protocol concluded 17 April 2008 with a final decision of non-compliance with respect to
Greece.
more
Final decision (135 kB)
View
On-demand webcast
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Kyoto Protocol clean development mechanism passes 1000th registered project
milestone
Bonn, Germany
14 April 2008
The Kyoto Protocol’s clean development mechanism (CDM) has registered its 1000th project,
an energy efficiency project in Andhra Pradesh, India, expected to reduce carbon dioxide
emissions by more than 34,000 tonnes annually.
Press release (144 kB)
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer speaks on the outcomes of the United Nations
Climate Change Talks 2008
New York, USA
11 April 2008
At a briefing at the UN Secretariat in New York, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer speaks
on the outcomes of the United Nations Climate Change Talks in Bangkok (31 March - 4 April), the
first round of negotiations on a new global climate change agreement, to be concluded in
Copenhagen in 2009.
View webcast
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer stresses link between policy-making and science
at twenty-eighth session of IPCC
Budapest, Hungary
09 April 2008
Speaking at the opening of the IPCC's 28th session in Budapest, Hungary (9-10 April), the
UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Yvo de Boer, said that the link between policy-making and science
needed to be stronger than ever before. "The task ahead is daunting," he said.
"Parties have to negotiate one of the most complex international agreements in history in
a very limited period of time, so they will need all the scientific support they can
get."
Speech (32 kB)
website
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Results of expert meetings on technologies for adaptation and on the outcomes of the
Nairobi work programme (NWP)
Bangkok, Thailand
5 April and 7-9 April 2008
Following on the heels of the climate change talks in Bangkok, two important meetings took
place in the Thai capital focusing on adaptation to climate change.
more
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UN Bangkok Climate Change Talks Reach Agreement on Work Programme for 2008 + Send
Important Signal to International Carbon Markets
Bangkok, Thailand
4 April 2008
The UN Bangkok Climate Change Talks ended Friday with agreement on a work programme that
structures negotiations on a long-term international climate change agreement, set to be
concluded in Copenhagen by the end of 2009. The Bangkok meeting also sent a clear signal that
the use of market-based mechanisms, such as the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development
Mechanism, should be continued and improved as a way for developed countries to meet emission
reduction targets and contribute towards sustainable development.
Press release (132 kB)
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UN Climate Change Talks begins in Bangkok with warnings that little time remains for
international community to negotiate 2009 Copenhagen agreement
Bangkok, Thailand
31 March 2008
The UN Bangkok Climate Change talks got underway on Monday, the first major United
Nations-sponsored meeting on climate change after the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali
last year in December. At Bali, Parties agreed to step up international efforts to combat
climate change and to launch formal negotiations to come to a long-term international
agreement in Copenhagen by the end of 2009. The Bangkok meeting is designed to both map out a
work programme that will lead to that agreement and to advance work on the rules through
which emission reduction targets of developed countries can be met.
Press release (135 kB)
Statement by the Executive Secretary at the opening of the Bangkok Climate Change Talks
2008 (33 kB)
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Inaugural meeting of Kyoto Protocol's Adaptation Fund Board takes place - UN
efforts expected to usher in new era in environmental financing
Bonn, Germany
26-28 March 2008
The Adaptation Fund Board concluded its inaugural meeting in Bonn on Friday, March 28, in
what is widely seen as a major step forward in delivering funding for developing countries to
deal with the impacts of climate change.
Press
release (178 kB)
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Substantial progress on key issues at CDM EB 38 - Thirty-Eighth meeting of the
Executive Board
Bonn, Germany
12 -14 March 2008
The thirty-eighth meeting of the Executive Board of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
wrapped up on Friday, March 14, with substantial progress being made on methodologies for
emissions baseline setting and monitoring, and on the registration and issuance processes.
All of the documents relating to EB 38 and previous meetings of the CDM board are available
on the CDM website.
Mr. Rajesh Kumar Sethi new Chair of the CDM Executive Board
more (145 kB)
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CDM EB 38 - Thirty-Eighth meeting of the Executive Board
Bonn, Germany
12 -14 March 2008
The proposed agenda and its annotations for the thirty-eighth meeting of the CDM Executive
Board are now available online. more
View
On-demand webcast
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary speaks at Carbon Market Insights 2008
Copenhagen, Denmark
11 March 2008
Yvo de Boer today delivered a keynote speech on recent developments in the carbon markets in
front of ministers and delegates attending the annual Carbon Market Insights 2008.
Speech (107 kB)
website
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Third Meeting of the enforcement branch of the Compliance Committee
Bonn, Germany
4-6 March 2008
The third meeting of the enforcement branch of the Compliance Committee concluded 6 March
2008 with a unanimous decision by the branch on a preliminary finding of non-compliance. The
full decision is available here. more
View On-demand webcast
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2008 ZOOM Campaign kicks off in Bonn
Bonn, Germany
4 March 2008
Schoolchildren from the Austrian towns of Bregenz and Rust put their best foot forward in
protecting the global climate by kicking off the 2008 ZOOM Campaign during a visit to Haus
Carstanjen on March 4. The children were welcomed by by Richard Kinley, Deputy Executive
Secretary of the UN Climate Change Secretariat. more
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Carbon Forum America
San Francisco
26-27 February 2008
In a statement at the opening of Carbon Forum America, Halldor Thorgeirsson, Director, Bali
Road Map Support, UNFCCC, highlighted the growing importance of the carbon market in
achieving climate-friendly economic growth that is globally viable.
Speech (26 kB) Presentations by
UNFCCC staff
website
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10th Special Session of the Governing Council / Global Ministerial Environment
Forum
United Nations Environment Programme
The Principality of Monaco
20-22 February 2008
website
UNFCCC Executive Secretary speaks to UNEP Governing Council in Monaco
Speaking to the UNEP Governing Council in Monaco, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer
called on small and medium-sized developing countries to pro-actively help craft a post-2012
climate change agreement
Speech (122 kB)
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JISC 10 - Tenth Meeting of the Joint
Implementation Supervisory Committee
Bonn, Germany
21-22 February 2008
The agenda and its annotations for the tenth meeting of the JISC are now available
online.
More
View on-demand webcast
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary addresses delegates at 6th Informal Meeting on Further
Actions against Climate Change
Tokyo
14 February 2008
In a speech held at the 6th Informal Meeting on Further Actions against Climate Change (14-15
February 2008), UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer said that a successful post-2012
climate change regime would need to ensure that all countries are tied into global green
economic growth and that no country is side-lined from it.
Speech (127 kB)
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UN General Assembly to debate on issues relating to Climate Change
New
York
11 February 2008
In a bid to build on the momentum generated by last December's landmark United Nations
Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia, the General Assembly is hosting a two-day
debate on the crucial issue in New York on 11 and 12 February. View webcast coverage of the
event from 11 February.
General
Assembly Homepage
Speech (133 kB)
 View UN webcast
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary delivers keynote address at The Delhi Sustainable
Development Summit 2008
Delhi
7 February 2008
Yvo de Boer has delivered a speech at the panel discussion on "The Scientific Evidence:
A Call For Action" during DSDS 2008. The Delhi Sustainable Development Summit has become
the most important gathering of leaders drawn from various parts of the world concerned about
global sustainable development. View webcast coverage of the event from 7 February.
Speech (127 kB)
DSDS 2008 website
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CDM EB 37 - Thirty-seventh
Meeting of the Executive Board
Bonn, Germany
31 January - 1 February 2008
The agenda and its annotations for the thirty-seventh meeting of the CDM Executive Board are
available online.
More
View
On-demand webcast
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary speaks at Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin
America and Caribbean
Santo Domingo
31 January 2008
Yvo de Boer addressed participants at the 16th Meeting of the Forum of Ministers of the
Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean, organized by the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP), in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 27 January to 1 February 2008.
Speech (92 kB) Press
release (143 kB)
esp (144 kB)
UNEP website
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary gives opening presentation at Major Economies Meeting on
Energy Security and Climate Change
Honolulu
30 January 2008
At the second instalment of the US-sponsored Major Economies Meeting on Energy Security and
Climate Change, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer gave the opening presentation on the
outcomes of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali and the challenges facing the
international community in developing a post-2012 climate change agreement by the end of
2009.
Presentation (39 kB)
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Business Leaders in Davos Call for a Clear Post-2012 Climate Change
Agreement
Geneva and Davos
25 January 2008
Leading business figures expect clear results from a future framework agreement that includes
internationally agreed emission targets to optimize its contribution to tackling climate
change, guide investment decisions and avoid market distortions.
Press release
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The Annual Meeting 2008 begins in Davos
Davos, Switzerland
23 January 2008
Participants have arrived in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, which
starts today. On the first afternoon there will be a World Economic Brainstorming, where
participants will work together to identify the most pressing threat to growth and prioritize
a plan of action. The opening session itself will address two of the key issues facing the
world, climate change and terrorism.
WEF website
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Yvo de Boer, responds to 'The Davos Question' posed to the
public and the participants of the 2008 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum
View video
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Host Country Agreement concerning United Nations Climate Change Conference - Poznan,
2008 signed in Bonn
Bonn, 17 January 2008
H.E. Mr. Maciej Nowicki, Minister of Environment of Poland and Yvo de Boer, UNFCCC Executive
Secretary, on Thursday signed the Host Country Agreement between the Government of Poland and
the Secretariat concerning the United Nations Climate Change Conference - Poznan, 2008.
According to Minister Nowicki, the conference - COP14/CMP4 - will be a "crucial stepping
stone" on the way to COP15/CMP5 in Copenhagen. According to Executive Secretary de Boer,
"Poznan will be critical to move towards common understanding of the financial and
technical tools that are the essential catalysts for the global fight of climate change in both
rich and developing countries."
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