‘Former prime minister Kevin Rudd has been appointed to an unpaid part-time position on a “high-level” United Nations panel tackling global sustainability issues.

‘Mr Rudd last month confirmed he had been approached by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to become involved with the United Nations project.

‘The appointment would require Mr Rudd to attend three meetings over the next 18 months.

‘Speaking today on the campaign trail at Macgregor State School in Brisbane, Mr Rudd said the role was his way of contributing to the fight against climate change.

”’Climate change is important and this is a way in which I can make a modest contribution to the future of acting globally and nationally on climate change,” he said.

‘Mr Ban said the 21-member High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability would be co-chaired by Finland’s President Tarja Halonen and South African President Jacob Zuma.

‘It comprises current and former world leaders, top diplomats and national ministers.

‘Mr Ban said the panel would look at ways to combat global poverty through economic growth without contributing to global warming and harming the environment.

‘It would tackle “the intertwined challenges” posed by poverty, hunger, water and energy security, he said.’

More . . . (Sydney Morning Herald, UN role confirmed for Rudd, 10 August 2010)