30 April 2009: In a message to the Ministerial Meeting of the Movement of Non-Aligned Nations (NAM), held in Havana, Cuba, on 30 April 2009, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a “closely coordinated” response to the interconnected crises of food insecurity, extreme poverty and climate change that are being “exacerbated by global financial and economic turmoil of unprecedented proportions.”

In the message that was delivered on his behalf by Haile Menkerios, Assistant-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Ban pushed for a move towards a “green economy” that can stimulate growth and create jobs while addressing climate change. He concluded by urging the NAM to contribute to this effort, including “the sealing of a deal at climate change talks later this year in Copenhagen.” [The message]