23 September 2008: In his speech to the opening of the
General Debate of the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly, UN Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon recalled that the global food, energy and financial crises, as well
as the challenge of climate change, demand global solutions.

He added that we
face a challenge of global leadership where increased collaboration is key, but
noted, however, that nations are looking inwards rather than developing
partnerships. He warned against retreating from advances made in the area of
economic development and stressed that pledges to the Millennium Development
Goals have not been honored. He added that all of UN’s work is now threatened
by the global financial crisis and underlined the need to restore order to
international financial markets.
On climate change, Ban said it “remains the
defining issue of our era,” and urged regaining momentum. He stated that a
shared vision of a new global climate change agreement to replace the Kyoto
Protocol will be needed by the climate conference next December in Poznan,
Poland. In conclusion, he urged member States to be accountable and commit the
necessary financial resources to reform the UN and address today’s
uncertainties. [UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s statement]