Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations hosted the Group of Friends on Climate Change, which has been joined by world-known economist, professor of the Columbia University and Director of the Earth Institute Jeffrey Sachs, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Strategy Planning Mr. Robert Orr. For the first time 26 Permanent Representatives of the Group of Friends have met Mr. Janos Pasztor, who being recently appointed by the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as Head of the UN Climate Change team. 

Professor Sachs Professor Sachs talked about policy framework for bridging the developed and developing countries in the climate change negotiations. He also presented for discussion the quantitative challenges in achieving mitigation, and the differentiated roles and responsibilities of various parts of the world community, as well as some ways to move the global negotiations forward.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss further steps to continue negotiations process within the new post-Kyoto climate agreement, transfer of modern environment-friendly technologies and financing. Representatives of the UN Secretariat have informed about the strong intention of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to redouble efforts to combat the climate change challenge.