Your Excellency, Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs, France; Your Excellency, Manuel Pulgar Vidal, Minister of Environment, Peru; Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Participants.
First let me start by thanking the Government of France for their boldness, leadership and vision in addressing climate change, including the hosting of the forthcoming COP21.
Climate change is the most important development challenge of our time. Evidence suggests that outcomes of COP21, if seen as equitable, can lead to more effective cooperation in addressing the climate challenge. COP 21 presents a unique opportunity for a binding agreement to limit carbon dioxide emissions, charting the way for transformative partnerships in addressing the adverse effects of climate change. Africa's voice is crucial at COP21 and it must be heard.