Foreign Service Institute Contributes to 2024 ClimateTech In Focus Report Launched at COP29
BAKU 16 December 2024 - The Foreign Service Institute (FSI), through the Philippine Pacific Economic Cooperation Committee (PPECC), contributed to the report titled “ClimateTech In Focus: Innovations For a Greener Supply Chain.” This report is the first annual flagship publication jointly produced by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), and Shanghai Climate Week (SCHW).
Launched on 13 November 2024 in the Blue Zone of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, the report highlights the critical role of ClimateTech in global supply chains. It explores advancing climate action through greening the global supply chain through science-based strategies to foster synergies, and help governments effectively formulate and implement effective climate policies.
The report provides an in-depth view of green supply chains and identifies areas of great impact for ClimateTech, particularly in big data and artificial intelligence, energy, logistics, shipping, aviation, finance, education, and infrastructure, with the goal to reduce global emissions.
FSI’s Assistant Chief Research Officer Josemari Janathiel P. Borla of the Blue Economy Section shared the Philippines’ initiatives to promote green, blue, and circular economies through its national policies. He also highlighted the importance of green finance through national and regional economic incentives on the green economy with a focus on green bonds and parametric insurance for climate risks.
PPECC Chairman Antonio I. Basilio emphasized the importance of ClimateTech in greening the supply chain to address climate change, stating in the report's preface: “Global technology and innovation serve as beacons of hope in the face of climate change. ClimateTech is not a fleeting trend confined to laboratories; it stands as one of the most promising avenues for humanity to tackle climate change and drive sustainable progress. We are heartened to see many technological innovations moving from labs to factories, industrial zones, markets, communities, and homes, making a lasting, tangible impact on our fight against climate change.”
Mr. Nikhil Seth, Assistant Secretary-General of the UNITAR noted in the report that “...the supply chain is a critical nexus where climate change, market forces, technology, and economic interests converge,” and called for governments, financial institutions, innovators, and academics to unite against climate change.
The report was made possible through the collective efforts of UNITAR, PECC, and SHCW, with WeCarbon as its knowledge partner. It features contributions from sustainability leaders, environment experts, thinktanks, academia, industry, and finance. The full report is available for download through the PECC website.
Upon approval given by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, FSI Director General Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III currently sits as Vice Chairperson for Government Relations of PPECC. Established in 1980, PECC now has 25 Member Committees, including one associate member, and two institutional members. Each Member Committee, including PPECC, brings together leading thinkers and decision makers from government and business in an informal setting to discuss and formulate ideas on the most significant challenges facing the Asia Pacific. END