Today, this Tuesday February 12, 2008 at 10:00am Eastern Time, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Montenegro to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Nebojša Kaluđerović, joined the 80th Plenary Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly and addressed High-Level Thematic Debate entitled “Addressing Climate Change: The United Nations and the World at Work”.

The three-day debate was convened by the President of the United Nations 62nd General Assembly, H.E. Dr. Srgjan Kerim, in order to garner support from all parts of society to address climate change. The debate, originally intended to be held for two days, was extended by a full day to accommodate the 115 speakers, including 19 ministers and 7 vice-ministers representing 107 countries.
The dialogue focused on how to involve people from the private sector, business, academic and science in a sustained effort to address climate change. The Assembly debate attracted a significant number of high-profile personalities, including Sir Richard Branson, CEO and founder of the Virgin Group, the actor Mr. Daryl Hannah and New York City Mayor Mr. Michael R. Bloomberg. While opening the debate, the General Assembly President emphasized that climate change was not just an environmental issue; it was a sustainable development issue. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon stated that UN leaders would work diligently to map out an agreement by the end of 2009 to limit global greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impact of climate change and provide the money and technology to do so. Concluding the debate, Dr. Kerim announced that he would hold two additional meetings to consider the concerns of vulnerable countries and corporate responsibility and sustainability in more detail.

Summary of the Thematic Debate

Following is the text of Ambassador Kaluđerović’s address at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Thematic Debate entitled “Addressing Climate Change: The United Nations and the World at Work”, 80th Plenary Meeting, in New York, USA, February 12:

Address of H.E. Ambassador Nebojša Kaluđerović at the United Nations General Assembly Thematic Debate on Climate Change