27 February 2009
UN Secretary-General Calls on South Africa to Show Leadership on Climate Change
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25 February 2009: During his meeting with South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, in Pretoria, South Africa, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon indicated that his trip to Africa was aimed at reaching out to countries that have a potential leadership role in confronting global challenges, including climate change.

Noting that South Africa has been an effective advocate […]

25 February 2009: During his meeting with South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, in Pretoria, South Africa, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon indicated that his trip to Africa was aimed at reaching out to countries that have a potential leadership role in confronting global challenges, including climate change.

Noting that South Africa has been an effective advocate on behalf of the G-77, he stressed that much of the continent has not benefited from the current international climate regime. He underlined the need for Africa to shape the agreement that is to be reached in December 2009 at the Copenhagen climate conference “in a way that benefits the interests of the continent and its citizens.” Ban added that “South Africa has shown commendable leadership and can do more.” [The speech]