As an integral part of the Secretary-General's Summit on Climate Change, this luncheon will bring together representatives of Governments, Business, Civil Society and the United Nations to discuss how to build positive momentum for climate negotiations and how business can be part of the solution.

Climate change is the defining challenge of our time. It impacts and threatens every aspect of social and economic life - from energy resources to water sustainability, from food supplies to human security. No doubt, the time to take action is now. The UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December will be a critical moment in human history. As governments meet to reach a new climate agreement in Copenhagen, we must do everything in our power to foster the necessary political will in capitals around the world.

The Forum provides a unique opportunity for the private sector to make the case to Heads of State and Government that business has a strong interest in the negotiation of a balanced and effective United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen this December. Such a message from business can instill confidence and foster political will to “Seal the Deal!”

At the Forum, business and civil society will demonstrate support for a Copenhagen deal by showing actions already taken to move to a low-carbon economy and making new commitments – individually and in partnership with the UN – to scale up efforts. Through interactive discussions, leaders will identify best corporate practices, exemplary collective action and innovative solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation, specifically in the areas of: (i) food security; (ii) energy solutions; (iii) water security; (iv) sustainable enterprises and decent work; (v) financing; and (vi) disaster preparedness and risk reduction.

As a result of the success of the 2008 UN Private Sector Forum on the Millennium Development Goals and Food Sustainability, the Secretary-General decided to hold the Forum on an annual basis during the General Assembly debate so the voice of the private sector can contribute to inter-governmental negotiations. The 2009 Forum is organized by the UN Global Compact Office in collaboration with: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), International Labour Organization (ILO), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Environment Programme (UNEP), UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and World Food Programme (WFP).

For more information, please visit the forum website or contact Melissa Powell, UN Global Compact Office.