10 September 2008: In a speech at Fairleigh Dickinson University, US, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki moon outlined the challenges of the world today, including climate change, the food and energy crises, and the fear of a global financial crisis.

Stressing the interdependence of the international community, he said the key is to develop a global mindset and
noted the UN’s unique place in helping to solve these challenges. Ban stated that the Copenhagen climate change deal should involve substantial cuts in emissions and help for the poorest countries, underscoring their vulnerability to climate change and their lack of capacity. He urged developed countries to lead the global warming initiative, as they have the financial and technological resources to do so, but emphasized that they largely lack political will. He called for concrete steps and measures to be adopted at the next UN climate change conference in Poznan, Poland, to lead to the adoption of “a universally participatory, inclusive, effective, ratifiable, and balanced treaty” in 2009. Secretary-General Ban also addressed progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and noted the upcoming summit-level meeting of world leaders at the UN to discuss this matter. In conclusion, he stressed the need for tipping the balance and cultivating a global mindset, underlining the role of education in helping think beyond borders. [The Speech]