French Prime Minister Manuel Valls announced on Saturday, Nov. 14, the scheduled Paris climate summit at the end of the month will push through despite the series of terrorist attacks that left more than 120 people dead in the country's capital on Friday.
In an interview with local journalists, Valls said the international conference will continue as planned as it is an "essential" gathering for the sake of humanity.
The climate summit also gives world leaders a chance to show their support and unity with the French people following the deadly attacks, the prime minister added.
Nick Nuttall, United Nations spokesperson for the climate change framework convention, confirmed that the climate summit will take place but with tougher security.
"Security is always tight at UN climate conferences," Nuttall said, "but it is understandable that this year in Paris, it will be even tighter."
The United Nations is responsible for the security of attendees at the conference venue at Le Bourget, north of Paris.
Some 118 heads of states as well as 20,000 to 40,000 delegates are set to take part in the opening of the Paris climate change conference, which is scheduled on Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.
Many observers believe the meeting provides world leaders with an opportunity to iron out an international agreement that would limit the emissions of greenhouse gases.
White House officials said U.S. President Barack Obama and State Secretary John Kerry will attend the Paris summit.
Several campaign groups have planned a citizens' march on the eve of the climate conference, similar to the one held in New York last year. Organizers of the march, however, say they will meet on Monday to discuss their future actions.
French President Francois Hollande said on Saturday that the government will carry out a "merciless" response to the simultaneous terrorist attacks by armed men that left about 120 people dead in different parts of Paris. Hollande described the assault as an act of war.
Leaders of the Islamic State have since claimed responsibility for the series of attacks at the French capital.
