25 September 2015: The 69th UN General Assembly (UNGA) convened for the second day of its general debate. Many speakers addressed climate change, reflecting on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Climate Summit and highlighting areas for future action.

Many expressed appreciation for the Climate Summit, with János Áder, President, Hungary, saying Secretary-General Ban has done his utmost to ensure the world comes to a common denominator. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister, Timor-Leste, welcomed developed countries’ commitments to provide capital for the adaptation fund, which he said is critical for developing countries.

Divavesi Waqa, President, Nauru, expressed concern that most announcements at the Summit were on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reductions that would occur under future governments a decade or more in the future. Waqa called for Ban to appoint a Special Representative on Climate and Security to analyze the projected security impacts of the crisis, and for Ban to lead a joint UN task force to assess the UN’s capacity to respond to climate change. Áder also expressed concern, saying many speeches deflected responsibility and reflected political narrow-mindedness.

Tommy Esang Remengesau, President, Palau, urged agreement on a “new direction” with realistic commitments and practical actions supported by enhanced financial commitments to mitigation and adaptation; ratification of the second amendment to the Kyoto Protocol; and recognition that migration is not an option. Waqa and Remengesau underscored commitments by small island developing States (SIDS) to cut their emissions, including through renewable energy commitments, and build sustainable economies, despite their comparatively low emissions.

Qohir Rasulzoda, Prime Minister, Tajikistan, also outlined his country’s efforts to develop renewable energy sources, including hydropower, wind and solar energies.

Ollanta Humala Tasso, President, Peru, said national commitments will be essential, while also stressing the importance of global solutions at the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC, which his country is hosting. He urged Heads of State and Government to demonstrate political will to constructively move forward on climate change by sending delegations with decision capability, so that delegates can agree on national commitments and binding agreements.

Rossen Plevneliev, President, Bulgaria, Ali Bongo Ondimba, President, Gabon, Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister, Ethiopia, and Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President, Tanzania, supported a globally binding climate agreement by 2015. Ondimba announced that Gabon will organize a meeting of the ‘South Climate Initiative’ in March 2015. Ivo Josipović, President, Croatia, supported a global agreement on climate financing and cutting down GHG emissions, noting such action is a pillar of a transformative post-2015 agenda.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan, Brunei Darussalam, underscored the importance of strengthening disaster management capabilities.

Some stressed the economic costs of climate change, including Áder. Tasso noted Peru’s annual cost from global warming is 4% of its annual GDP, which could increase to 20% in 2050 without immediate action.

Several speakers noted that climate change threatens development gains, including Dessalegn, Alhaji Yahya Jammeh Babila Mansa, President, the Gambia, and Sheikh Jaber Al-mubarak Al-hamad Al Sabah, Prime Minister, Kuwait. [UNGA General Debate, 25 September] [UN Press Release on Peru Statement]