United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon speaks during the closing of the Climate Summit at the United Nations headquarters in New York, September 23, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was recognized Wednesday in New York by the South-South Awards for his role in leading the world's efforts to combat climate change.

Susana Malcorra, the United Nations Chef de Cabinet to the Executive Office, accepted the recognition on behalf of the secretary-general at the 2014 South-South Awards reception, held on the sidelines of the annual high-level debate of the UN General Assembly.

Ban, who was still busy meeting world leaders, greeted the reception ceremony via a video message, in which he underlined the importance of South-South Cooperation, one between or among developing countries, and Triangular Cooperation, among developing countries and developed nations or between developing countries and international organizations.

South-South and Triangular Cooperation played crucial roles in promoting sustainable development in the world, Ban said.

The 2014 ceremony, highlighting the cause of fighting climate change, is in support of the secretary-general's commitment and efforts to address climate change.

The event came one day after the close of the UN Climate Summit, which, hosted by Ban, attracted a record breaking presence of more than 120 heads of state or government in a bid to raise ambition, mobilize resources, and generate action toward a universal climate deal next year in Paris.

Also praised at the Wednesday reception was Tuilaepa Malielegaoi, prime minister of Samoa, for his dedication and work on mitigating the impact of climate change on small island developing states.

Meanwhile, the government of Tajikistan was recognized for continuous efforts in promoting international cooperation in water related areas.

On behalf of President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, Kokhir Rasulzoda, prime minister of the former Soviet republic, received the recognition, saying that water resource is one of the keys in his country's sustainable development.

The South-South Awards honor governments, organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing sustainable development in a bid to galvanize the international community in tackling climate change by affordable, creative and scalable solutions.

Also lauded was the Asia-Pacific South-South Steering Committee for Sustainable Development for its commitment in supporting the efforts of developing countries and highlighting the importance of South-South cooperation in addressing climate change.

John W. Ashe, President of the UN General Assembly at its 68th session, attended the ceremony.

The 2014 South-South Awards reception was co-organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the South-South Steering Committee for Sustainable Development, and the International Organization for South-South Cooperation and South-South News.

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