Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, today attended a White House reception hosted by President Obama as part of the first day of the Major Economies Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate.

The President reaffirmed the commitment of the US to leadership on climate change.

Senator Wong said leadership from the US would be critical, but it needed to be matched by leadership from many nations to forge a global agreement.

"The US and other major economies participating in this Forum will play a crucial role in building momentum for a global deal in the lead up to Copenhagen,'' Senator Wong said.

In an address to the Forum, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also highlighted the important leadership role of all countries involved in the Major Economies Forum process.

Secretary Clinton said the US was now "fully engaged and ready to lead" on the issue of climate change, and emphasised the need for a "pragmatic, not dogmatic" approach.

Senator Wong said the first day of the Major Economies Forum focused on critical technologies needed to help move countries to a low pollution future.

"Australia outlined the importance of carbon capture and storage in reducing emissions globally - and the work of the Australian-led Global CCS Institute in driving this," Senator Wong said.

Senator Wong said there was also a strong focus on the important role domestic policies will play in building a global agreement.

"The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme represents an opportunity for Australia to go to Copenhagen with a responsible position and a clear plan to deliver on the targets we put on the table," Senator Wong said.

"An agreement that looks perfect on paper, but that remains unratified by its signatories, will do nothing for our planet."

Secretary Clinton's remarks are available at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/04/122240.htm