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A team from Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide - including senior UK creatives Will Awdry and Andy Dibb - has contributed to the launch of “Hopenhagen”, a United Nations initiative to engage global citizens in the December UN Climate Change Conference.

The global communications initiative was launched at last week’s Cannes International Advertising Festival with contributions from several of the world’s leading advertising, marketing and media agencies. The first creative elements of the campaign - produced by O&M - were unveiled at the festival and are also appearing in airports including JFK, Los Angeles International and London Heathrow airports and in international media.

Delegates from 192 nations will meet in December in Copenhagen to ratify a global climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol. The UN engaged the global advertising and media industry through the International Advertising Association (IAA) to develop a programme to drive awareness and generate action.

The creative concept of Hopenhagen stems from the idea that the December conference is an opportunity to unite and take action to adjust the fate of the planet. The campaign creative emphasizes the need to shift from “coping” or ignoring our global challenges to “hoping” and ultimately acting to create a new reality.

“We believe in the power of movements to inspire and bring about real change,” said Tham Khai Meng, worldwide creative director of Ogilvy & Mather. “Hopenhagen was created to be a campaign of the people.  It provides a platform for individuals around the world to participate and have a say in the future of the world.”

The consumer launch of Hopenhagen will take place in September and continue through the December conference and beyond. A website, hopenhagen.org, will serve as the campaign hub, where visitors may learn about climate change issues, express their vision for the future of the planet and send a message to the delegates to work together to finalise a strong, global climate change treaty.