2 February 2010: The UN University (UNU) hosted the 16th U Thant Distinguished Lecture with President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa of Mexico on “Preserving Our Common Heritage: Promoting a Fair Agreement on Climate Change.” The event was convened in collaboration with Asahi Shimbun and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).
Mexico is the host of the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, scheduled to take place in Cancun in November-December 2010, during which the international community will attempt to agree on a framework for mitigating and dealing with the effects of climate change. In his lecture, President Calderón focused on the common but differentiated responsibilities of both developed and developing countries regarding climate change. He highlighted the need to fight against poverty and to promote people’s welfare, while addressing climate change threats through the promotion of sustainable environmental policies. He noted that the cost of inaction is greater than taking action against climate change, referencing the Stern Review.
Prior to being sworn in as President of Mexico for the 2006-2012 term, President Calderón Hinojosa served as Secretary of Energy, leading the modernization of state-owned companies in Mexico. The lecture was moderated by Hironori Hamanaka, Chair of the Board of Directors, IGES, and guest commentators included Yoichi Funabashi, Editor-in-Chief, Asahi Shimbun, and Kazuhiko Takeuchi, Vice-Rector, UNU. [UNU Press Release] [Webcast]