29 July 2009: Speaking at his monthly press conference at UN Headquarters in New York, US, UN Secretary-General stated that in September, “we will be entering a crucial stage on climate change.”

He mentioned the renovation of the Headquarters building in order to achieve greater efficiency and energy savings, and which should lead to a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of over 45%. He also reported on his official visit to China and Mongolia, explaining it focused on climate change and highlighting: the launch of a programme to promote energy saving lighting in China; his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao and their intention to seal a deal in Copenhagen in December; and the need to help the poorest and most vulnerable countries adapt to climate change.
He then stressed that little time remains before the Copenhagen climate change conference in December and explained that to keep up the momentum, he will travel to the Arctic polar ice rim in August and will then attend the World Climate Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Responding to a question on his priorities, Ban explained that “the utmost priority at this time is to make the Copenhagen meeting a success,” and reiterated the need for a global climate change agreement that is “comprehensive, ambitious and equitable.” [Press release transcript][UN press release]