Federal Councillor Leuenberger at climate pre-conference in Copenhagen
Bern, 13.11.2009 - The Danish government has invited ministers from selected states to attend the pre-conference to be held in Copenhagen on 16 and 17 November in preparation for the global Climate Change Conference which takes place at the end of the year. Switzerland is among the participants invited to attend the pre-conference and will be represented by Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger.
With the aim of completing the final preparations for the United Nations Climate Change Conference on 7 to 18 December 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark, as host state and in keeping with tradition, has invited ministers from the most important countries and those most active in the negotiating process to an informal meeting in advance of the conference. Around 40 states will participate in the meeting, which is known as the pre-COP (ministerial negotiations in advance of the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP 15) and takes place on 16 and 17 November 2009 in Copenhagen.
Switzerland: a respected participant in the climate negotiations
Representatives from the main negotiating groups (e.g. G 77 and China, the African States, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), the group of Least Developed Countries, the European Union and the Environmental Integrity Group (EIG)) have been invited to attend the pre-COP. Switzerland holds the chair of the Environmental Integrity Group (EIG), of which Mexico, South Korea, Liechtenstein and Monaco are also members. For this reason, it is also a participant in the pre-COP and will be represented at the meeting by Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger. The fact that Switzerland is able to participate in the crucial meetings for the climate negotiations is a reflection of its considerable commitment and credibility in relation to this issue.
The pre-COP will be chaired by Connie Hedegaard, the Danish Minister for Climate and Energy, who will also chair COP 15 itself. The ministers have been requested to identify the negotiation issues that require particular focus and to show a firm political will to reach a substantial conclusion at COP 15.
Only tentative progress was achieved at the final round of formal negotiations in Barcelona, particularly on the politically most sensitive questions, for example the commitment by all countries to reduce emissions and the financing of the fight against climate change. A resolute undertaking by the ministers and heads of state will be necessary to ensure that a comprehensive agreement is reached at the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.
Address for enquiries
Thomas Kolly, Head of the International Affairs Division, FOEN, +41 (0)79 828 48 45
Publisher
Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications
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