SINGAPORE: Singapore has called on the developed nations to continue to take the lead on reducing carbon emissions.

However, Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo said that in giving prescription to developing countries, they must not be seen as self-serving.

Speaking at a high-level event on climate change in New York convened by the UN Secretary General, he stressed that developmental needs must not be ignored.

Unless the system encourages local inhabitants to protect trees instead of chopping them down, the problem of deforestation cannot be solved.

While Mr Yeo said there must be assistance by developed countries in resources and expertise, he stressed that there must be a system of surveillance and control to ensure that money is properly used and not channelled into the wrong hands.

Mr Yeo said the recent APEC Summit issued a Leaders' declaration on climate change which, though not binding, set high aspirations.

He noted that the US, in a few days' time, will also be convening a meeting of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases.

In November, the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN-EU Summit, both to be held in Singapore, will have climate change high up on the agenda.

Stressing the need for collective action to reduce carbon emission, Mr Yeo called on the US, as the world's biggest emitter, to take the lead.

Increasingly, China and India will need to be involved as well as they are becoming big emitters because of huge populations.

Developing countries should slow down the increase in carbon emissions, based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and their respective capabilities.

It should also be carried out in a manner which does not stifle their economic growth.

But the minister stressed governments alone cannot do all the work. They must engage the private sector and establish regulatory frameworks which bring positive market forces into play.

While technology can solve many of the problems, the right incentives must be in place, like the help of local communities.

NGOs too can play a very positive role monitoring progress and blowing whistles. - CNA/vm