United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged world big business leaders to reach a global deal on reducing greenhouse gases.

Ban Ki-moon made the remarks at the World Business Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen on Sunday.

"It is essential that we do not allow to go back the political momentum, investment, and innovation that we need to combat climate change. Climate change is a defining challenge of our time. I also believe it is the most important game changer, a most important game changer for business over the next century."

Leaders from the world's major companies such as Intel Corporation, BP and Siemens are meeting at the summit to discuss ways companies can help reduce greenhouse gases without hampering economic growth.

The meeting, which runs through Tuesday, also aims to encourage businesses to invest in green technology and promote more efficient use of energy resources.

The summit is a precursor to the negotiations to determine what will succeed the Kyoto climate treaty that expires in 2012.