UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stated that negotiators from 190 countries meeting in Bali to discuss climate change have a significant political and historical responsibility to come to an agreement. Ban emphasized that not reaching a deal would have serious consequences, and he believed that all countries, including the United States, were eager for an agreement. Despite disagreements from countries like the United States, Japan, Canada, and Australia regarding emission reduction guidelines, Ban expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached. He made these comments while en route from Bali to Dili, East Timor. He cautioned countries against focusing solely on emission targets, stating that they would need to be negotiated in the future. Ban expressed willingness to return to Bali if the talks remained at a standstill and emphasized the importance of leaders and negotiators fulfilling their political and historical duty to successfully conclude the discussions. He noted that climate change affects everyone, regardless of their nationality.