5 Sep 2011

UN chief stresses immediate action on climate change during Kiribati visit

3:10 pm on 5 September 2011

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has reiterated his commitment to raising awareness about climate change during his visit to Kiribati.

Ban Ki Moon is on the second day of his Kiribati stay which includes mangrove-planting and a visit to the village of Beki Ni Koori which has been affected by rising sea levels and a lack of freshwater and food.

The delegation will also visit the Marine Training Centre in Betio which is involved in mitigating climate change.

Ban Ki Moon was given a traditional welcome at a meeting house in Eita District on his arrival in Kiribati yesterday.

A district official Simau Siiva told the Secretary-General the people were moved by the high level visit.

Before a state dinner with Kiribati president Anote Tong, Ban Ki Moon said the only choice in dealing with climate change was immediate action.