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Balkenende presses for ambitious climate agreement

News item | 28-09-2009

In his speech to the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende called on the world leaders present to work together to achieve the three goals of stability, solidarity and sustainability.

All 192 members of the United Nations are permitted to address the 64th General Assembly. Since its opening on 23 September 2009, dozens of world leaders have already spoken; on 26 September it was the Dutch prime minister's turn.

According to Mr Balkenende, the agreement reached at the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh on strong, sustainable and balanced growth has proved that the international community is paving the way for solid and sustainable economic recovery.

He also urged greater cooperation in other areas, such as the energy and food crises, poverty and climate change.

In the latter connection the prime minister stressed the importance of an ambitious, fair and comprehensive agreement at the upcoming climate conference in Copenhagen. He announced that the Netherlands will call for a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions worldwide by 2050 relative to 1990 levels.

More information

• Speech by Prime Minister Balkenende

  26-09-2009