Speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, John Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda said that "urgent action" is needed now to fully implement the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) and the Kyoto Protocol.

    Ashe urged developed countries to take the lead in addressing climate change by making commitments relating to financing and technology transfer to developing countries.

    "The road to Copenhagen, where the concluding talks on the current process on the Bali roadmap will be held in 2009, will be a difficult one, particularly for developing countries and the poorest and most vulnerable," Ashe said.

    "We need effective and comprehensive global response, within the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, to cover adaptation, technology transfer and financing, as well as mitigation," the four building blocks of the Bali plan, he said.

    Indonesian Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar also urged developed countries to take the lead.

    "More action can be expected to take place in the developing world with more ambitious commitments by developed countries," Witoelar noted.

    Angola's Minister of Urbanism and Environment Diekumpuna Sita Jose called for world attention to the needs of African nations in the struggle against climate change.

    "In spite of their miniscule contribution to the emissions of greenhouse gases, the effects of climate change are already visible in their economies," he said. "Many African countries are heavily affected by drought and desertification."

    Sri Lanka'S Environment Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka expressed a similar concern, saying that "contribution to the global warming by the less developed countries with low per capita income is comparatively minimal."

    "Therefore, in keeping with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, it is not fair to expect the developing nations to shoulder the full burden of responding to climate change impact," said Ranawaka. "Historically their contributions to climate change have been minimal and will continue to be."

    Speaking on behalf of the European Union (EU), Slovenian Environment Minister Janez Podobnik said the EU would continue to work towards building an international consensus for strong post-2012 action and was implementing and further developing comprehensive community climate change policies.

    The European Commission's climate action and renewable energy legislative package would be instrumental in shaping a response inline with the union's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 percent by 2020, relative to 1990 levels, said Podobnik.

    The two-day event, which began on Monday, is meant to build on the momentum generated by the international climate conference in December on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, where delegates from nearly 190 nations agreed to adopt a blueprint to control global warming gases before the end of next year.

    Representatives, including some 20 ministers, from more than 100 countries and international organizations exchanged views on ways to move forward the negotiating process launched in the Bali conference.    (Feb.14)

Editor:Xu Hui