COP15 among the largest summits ever

The 119 heads of state and government participating at the climate summit in Copenhagen represent countries that account for 89 percent of the world's GDP. Rie Jerichow (article updated) - 16/12/2009 - 119 heads of state and government – including nine vice presidents – will participate at the climate summit in Copenhagen, according to the Danish Ministry of State.

This will rank the summit among the world's largest ever and the largest outside of New York, and obviously the largest ever in Denmark.

As the Copenhagen conference formally entered its high-level stage Tuesday, COP15 President Connie Hedegaard defined their responsibility in her opening address:

”We can’t do anything without you, the parties. YOU must compromise, YOU must commit. YOU must deliver – NOW. Not only because of the climate. There is even more at stake. This is also about the world’s confidence in their global leaders’ will and ability to cope with the challenges of our time.”

The 119 heads of state and government represent countries that account for 89 percent of the world's GDP, 82 percent of the world's population and 86 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Included in the 119 countries are the 20 largest economies and the top 15 greenhouse gas emitters in the world.

Da UNFCCC