Philippines Echoes "Manila Call to Action on Climate Change" at UN High Level Event
NEW YORK, 30 June 2015 – The Philippines echoed the “Manila Call to Action on Climate Change” at the United Nations today to urge both developed and developing nations to assist the poorest and most vulnerable countries in addressing climate change.
At the High Level Event on Climate Change organized by the President of the General Assembly, the Philippines’ Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Lourdes O. Yparrraguirre, stressed the importance of active partnerships between developed and developing countries, as well as between and among developing countries, in fully mobilizing political momentum.
Last February in Manila, Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino and French President Francois Hollande issued the “Manila Call to Action on Climate Change” which appeals to all States to work concretely and swiftly to fight climate change, notably its impacts, and further invite them to present their intended nationally determined contributions based on their national circumstance and capabilities.
“The Joint Statement thus calls on developed countries, and developing countries in a position and willing to do so, to provide the poorest and most vulnerable countries with adequate means of implementation, to help them achieve their transition to resilient territories and low-carbon economies. This can be achieved through better access to finance and technology, better support for technology development, increased South-South cooperation, and enhanced support for institutional, private sector and knowledge capacities,” Ambassador Yparraguirre said in her statement.
The Philippines currently serves as President of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) which advocates for strengthening the 2° C-goal for global climate policy to 1.5° C.
A group of 20 largely least developing countries, small island developing states and middle income economies, the CVF exemplifies South-South cooperation in addressing climate change.
“We are pleased that the CVF has been able to contribute to the UNFCCC review through the submission of a series of important reports into the dangers of a 2° C world for human rights, workplace health and productivity, and migration and displacement,” Ambassador Yparraguirre said.
The Philippine Ambassador stressed that the Philippines has prioritized funding under the Budget Priorities Framework (BPF) for 2015 for implementing climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management measures.
The Philippines ranks 3rd worldwide in the list of countries that are most vulnerable to climate change.
“Climate change is not just a question of environmental policy, or economic policy, nor simply a political issue. It is our defining concern. We have an incredible opportunity in Paris this December to conclude a universal, equitable and ambitious climate deal. Let this be our gift to future generations,” she added, referring to the UN Conference on Climate Change (COP21) that will be held in Paris, France in December this year. END