'The Secretary-General is convening a high-level retreat meeting, with leaders of G-20 and non-G-20 countries, to discuss the global financial crisis,' said Ms Marie Okabe, his deputy spokesman.

The meeting will help pave the way toward the ministerial level meeting on finance and development Nov 29 to Dec 2 in Doha with Mr Ban on hand added Ms Okabe.

'Details of the preparation are still being worked out,' she said.

On Saturday Mr Ban welcomed the G-20 response to the global economic crisis after the White House-hosted summit of top economies closed with a pledge to cooperate more to restore global growth and to reform the world's financial system.

'The Secretary-General welcomes the Declaration of the Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy, held in Washington DC today, which committed leaders to joint action,' a statement issued by his office said.

'He noted the agreement on the international coordination of stimulus packages, a move he had advocated in his remarks at the White House, also new market regulation to avoid future crises, more inclusive new economic governance, and the need to avoid trade and investment protectionism.'

Mr Ban, who attended the summit of the Group of 20 developed and developing nations, said the stimulus programmes were an opportunity to promote 'green economic development', mentioning more support for renewable energy, conversion to more carbon-friendly systems, and investing in climate change adaptation measures in the most vulnerable developing economies. -- AFP