Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called on fellow Commonwealth countries to back a strong statement on climate change at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting held in Malta on Friday. The meeting attended by Australia and 52 other countries was convened ahead of the crucial 21st Conference of the Parties in Paris.

French President Francois Holland and United Nations Secretary Ban Ki-moon also attended the session. “Ahead of COP 21 it is a powerful signal to other countries of the world to show a similar level of ambition and commitment to working together for a strong result in Paris,” Turnbull said, while addressing the session. The prime minister urged the Commonwealth countries to sign up for a strong CHOGM climate change propaganda to strengthen the significance of the major climate change needs.

Turnbull will be flying to Paris on Sunday to attend COP21, a major summit on that will discuss ways to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

Turnbull also announced that Australia will contribute $1 million towards the Commonwealth climate finance access hub, which is to be based in Mauritius. The hub is meant to assist developing countries and island states to access the funds to tackle the effects of the climate change.

Hollande also urged the Commonwealth member countries to support a strong response to the climate change, urging them not to fail the Paris summit. The CHOGM countries make one-third of the world’s population.

“Man is the worst enemy of man,” the Australian quoted Hollande as saying to reporters after the meeting. “We can see it with terrorism and we can see it when it comes to the environment.’’

Ki-moon also urged for a decisive action and strong leadership.

Turnbull met the Queen for the first time as prime minister before the meeting during a stand-up lunch in Malta.

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