UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon emphasized on Tuesday the importance of young people's role in the global fight against climate change.

"We will need the spirit of youth in abundance as the world seeks to embrace cleaner, more sustainable forms of energy, including renewable resources," Ban said in a message for International Youth Day, which falls on Tuesday.

With their propensity for spreading new habits and technologies and adaptability to make low-carbon lifestyles and career choices, young people are also well placed to contribute to the fight even now, he said.

"Youth should therefore be given a chance to take an active part in the decision-making of local, national and global levels," Ban said. "And they can actively support initiatives that will lead to the passage of far-reaching legislation."

"On this International Youth Day, I urge young people around the world to invest their energies and bright ideas into shaping a safer, more sustainable planet," the secretary-general said.

On December 17, 1999, the UN General Assembly endorsed the resolution made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth that August 12 be declared International Youth Day.

(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2008)