United Nations Radio

Climate change is not a concern of the distant future, but something that people around the world today are witnessing here and now.

That point was stressed Tuesday by General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim as the Assembly held a thematic debate on climate change and the most vulnerable countries.

He says long-term political leadership which transcends short-term economic interests is needed to overcome this enormous challenge.

And he calls for a strengthening of the ability of the UN system to assist vulnerable countries to build their capacity and capability to adapt to climate change.

"We have to create mechanisms to allow technology to be transferred to developing countries that otherwise could not afford them. We have to make sure there are sufficient financial resources channeled through an effective climate funding architecture to benefit the neediest."

Mr. Kerim says early warning systems should also be improved so that when disaster strikes, more people have a chance to make it to safety.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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