28 July 2009: The Junior Chamber International Leadership Summit, supported by UN Global Compact and the International Chamber of Commerce, took place from 27-30 July 2009, in Geneva, Switzerland, and focused on climate change.

The event aimed to explore, propose and take actions on climate change, and issue a “Commitment to Action” on climate change.
In a message to the Summit, delivered by Georg Kell, Executive Director of UN Global Compact, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the contribution that participants, “as entrepreneurs and leaders,” can make in raising awareness on climate change. He explained the need for policy makers to understand that the transition to a low-carbon economy “is not only necessary, but economically viable and technologically possible.” He urged participants to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the spread of low-carbon technologies within their own businesses and among their peers. Ban encouraged all participants who had not already done so to join the UN Global Compact and its business leadership platform called “Caring for Climate.” He added that “companies that lead the way towards a low-carbon economy will be the market winners of the 21st century.” He also urged them to join the UN’s “Seal the Deal!” campaign for a successful outcome in Copenhagen. [Summit website][Ban’s message]