Mr. Secretary-General,
 
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the G77 and China.

Let me convey our sincere appreciation for the opportunity to hear from you your expectations for the climate change summit and also to discuss the organization of that meeting.

The Group of 77 and China welcomes the initiative of convening the September 22 summit. This summit is of utmost importance in the run-up to the Copenhagen conference, where we will decide on the quantified emission reduction targets for developed countries in the subsequent commitment periods of the Kyoto Protocol, and the enhanced implementation of the convention in order to achieve its ultimate objective.

While fully respecting the prerogative of the Secretary General in preparing this Summit, for the summit to be a success, we must ensure that the full membership of the United Nations is able to participate at the highest possible level. The roundtables should thus be inclusive and open to the active participation of all UN Member States in the discussions, including to delegations that are unable to participate at the Head of State level and regardless of the level in which they will participate.  We are confident that an appropriate format can be secured to ensure the universal participation of all delegations in all aspects of the event.

Mr. Secretary General,

In preparing for this summit, we must bear in mind that negotiations are ongoing under the UNFCCC in the Ad-Hoc Working Group on the Kyoto Protocol and the Ad-Hoc Working Group on the Long Term Cooperative Action.

The Group is of the view that the summit should in no way attempt to prejudge the outcome of these critical negotiations.  In this regard the proposed concept paper should aim at galvanizing political will from all countries to participate in the negotiations under the UNFCCC in a manner that will address meaningfully the challenges of climate change.  We are confident that this paper issued by the Secretary General will be made available in a timely manner and in the six official languages.

The Group also trusts that the Chair's  Summary of the Summit will reflect the discussions and views expressed during the meeting, including during the roundtables and the  pre-recorded national statements, and that the summary also will in no way prejudge the negotiations in Copenhagen.

Your leadership, Mr. Secretary-General, in climate change is crucial to galvanize the political will necessary to address this global challenge. Rest assured of the Group's cooperation and support.

I thank you.