The conference will be preceded by a summit in September at the UN headquarters that is expected to draw around 100 heads of state/government. This meeting will give leaders the opportunity to review key political issues before the grand finale in the Danish capital.

The UN chief also stressed the need to help the poorest and most vulnerable populations in adapting to climate change. 'In Mongolia climate change is a clear and present danger,' he said. 'Its culture and economy are in danger of being swallowed by sand.' Three-quarters of the country's grasslands are threatened by desertification and extreme weather events are increasing in frequency.

Still, its people are making significant attempts to adapt by changing land management practices and using solar power, according to Ban who also visited the central Asian nation during his trip. 'Climate Change is not abstract concept,' he said. 'It is harsh reality that is changing the way we live.'