New Year’s messages from leaders around the globe have included a common theme: a resounding call for efforts to overcome the economic crisis and create peace around the world.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his contribution to the U.S. weekly “Newsweek” that serious climate trouble looms ahead this year, calling for action to reduce greenhouse gas.

Chinese President Hu Jintao vowed all efforts to overcome the global financial crisis and promote economic progress, while Japan’s Taro Aso said in his New Year’s message that he will do all he can so his country can quickly emerge from the global recession.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that his government will do its best to provide the nation with stability, although tackling the problems of the coming year won’t be an easy ordeal.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy pledged diplomatic efforts to promote peace and human rights around the world, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel hinted at tax cuts to boost the economy.