United Nations Climate Change Conference 2010 (Mexico 2010) - Welcome addresses by the President of Mexico, the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources

Felipe Calder�n Hinojosa, President of Mexico's Welcome Speech to Mexico 210 COP16/CMP6

In Cancun, all nations will have an opportunity to make significant progress by adopting a broad and balanced set of decisions to reduce emissions and begin a new era of effective global action.

Our relationship with the environment must come to a turning point, either we change our way of life to stop Climate Change or Climate Change will alter the way we live.

Climate Change is affecting already millions of people. We have seen hurricanes, and flooding, droughts, and forest fires. It is clear that these events are happening in countries across all regions, regardless of the size, geography, level of development o economic strength. No one is immune.

Thankfully, there are now reasons that allow us to be slightly optimistic concerning the outcomes of Cancun. In the most recent negotiations, significant progress has been made, that would allow us to deliver immediate actions in different areas, such as:

1. Adaptation: there is widespread agreement on supporting adaptation actions in developing countries;
2. Technology: there is consensus on the establishment of a technology committee to coordinate regional centers that will facilitate access for developing countries to green technologies.
3. Fast-start financing: there is convergence on the need to include fast-start financing as part of the Cancun outcome. Long-term financing: there is agreement to establish the Green Fund in Cancun to provide long term financing to developing countries.

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4. REDD+: there is support for a mechanism to implement projects in the forestry sector in developing countries, formed by different sources and respectful of the rights of indigenous communities.

However, I believe more is needed to ensure real progress. First, convergence on the below 2�C goal, subject to scientific review.

Second, many developed countries have made commitments to reduce emissions and many developing countries, to take action. In Cancun, we must ratify these commitments on the basis of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

Third, we can also agree to encourage transparency through a measurement, report and verification scheme, as well as to continue international consultation and analysis.

If we really move forward we have to discard the false dilemma that we must choose between economic growth and fighting Climate Change. It is possible to achieve economic development and, at the same time, reduce emissions and the overexploitation of natural resources. In fact, the only sustainable path to grow is a low carbon path.

Facing Climate Change is a large task. There is only one power on this planet which is equated to it: the power of humanity itself.

We will work under the treaties and the diplomacy. And we will work on the science. But let us work above all harnessing the ability of humanity to Change the future.

Let us make Cancun the beginning of powerful Climate Change cooperation that restores faith in our ability to work together and overcome our difficulties as one global village.

Ms. Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Current President of COP/CMP 's Welcome Speech to Mexico 210 COP16/CMP6

On behalf of the Government of Mexico, I welcome you to the UN Climate Change Conferences in Canc�n. I am certain that with our joint effort and commitment we will make these meetings a success.

In the coming days we need to agree on a set of decisions that leads to an era of enhanced global action on climate change. There is clear scientific evidence of the negative effects of climate change in everyday life, and our societies expect their governments to deliver ambitious results. We need to recognize that in order to be successful in our efforts, all stake-holders have an important role to play.

Mexico has promoted an inclusive and transparent process of consultations. We believe that every voice must be heard if we are to achieve our common goals. We are also convinced of the need to show the capacity of the multilateral system, and of the United Nations in particular, to address key global challenges.

As President of the 16th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the 6th Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties of the Kyoto Protocol, I sincerely hope that your stay in Mexico will be productive and enjoyable.

Bienvenidos a M�xico!

Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources's Welcome Speech to Mexico 210 COP16/CMP6

Distinguished delegates/participants,

Climate change is a global challenge that demands a global response. By addressing it together we allow ourselves the opportunity to continue providing the sustainable growth our societies rightly expect.

The recent global economic turndown has yet again proved that in an interlinked world we are interdependent. Global warming and its consequences are not the exception: None of us can hope that climate change will only affect others. It is time to narrow our differences and reach toward agreed measures and actions. Delaying a solution will be far more expensive.

On behalf of the Government of Mexico, we welcome you to the 16th Conference of the Parties of the UN

Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the 6th Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties of the Kyoto Protocol.

I�m certain that our work in Cancun will produce a successful outcome.

Welcome to Mexico!

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