NAIROBI, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,000 environment ministers from across the world are set to meet in Kenya next month for the UN Environment Program (UNEP)'s Governing Council meeting.

    A statement from the Nairobi-based UN environment agency said the Feb. 16-20 meeting will also discuss climate change and the ongoing talks towards a new international agreement in Copenhagen in December 2009.

    Issues on the table include the green economy and green growth and mercury, among other. The ministers will discuss policy options for an international response to global mercury pollution and the food crisis.

    The ministers will also discuss Olympic Games and the environment, and an overview of the key environmental issues of the day including ecosystem management, resource efficiency and environmental governance.

    "An overview of the key environmental issues of the day including ecosystem management, resource efficiency and environmental governance will be on the table," the statement said.

    The high-level meeting comes on the heels of an eventful year which saw further evidence of global warming, food shortages and the worst financial crisis in years.

    The ministers meet amid growing calls for a Global Green New Deal, a new approach to the economy that focuses on green growth and investments in natural and nature-based resources.