PH Engages in Int’l Efforts to Strengthen Environment Protection

Within the context of international efforts to have a new global framework for the protection of the environment, Ambassador to Kenya Uriel Norman R. Garibay underlines the Philippines’ commitment to the environment and stresses that the current process should not dilute nor re-negotiate principles, commitments and obligations in existing multilateral environment agreements (MEAs) in Nairobi, Kenya on 14 January 2019. (Photo courtesy: enb.iisd.org)

NAIROBI 31 January 2019 — The Philippines underlined its commitment towards the protection of environment at the first substantive session of the Ad-Hoc Open Ended Working Group, entitled “Towards the Global Pact for Environment (GPE),” at the United Nations Office in Nairobi on 14-18 January 2019.

Head of the Philippine Delegation and Ambassador to Kenya Uriel Norman R. Garibay reiterated the country’s position that there already exists an integrative framework for bringing the global community’s work on the environment. This is the 2030 Agenda on the Sustainable Development Goals which brings together the social, economic and environmental spheres to support human development in a sustainable manner. He underlined that the main concern is the delivery of commitments, anchored on the principle on “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities” (CBDR).

He also thanked the UN Secretary-General for his report on the Gaps in International Environmental Law and Environment-related Instruments.

Ambassador Garibay nevertheless assured the meeting of the Philippines constructive engagement in the GPE process, stating that the process cannot be rushed and that the same should be transparent and consultative. He also underlined that the engagement of the Philippines in the process is with the understanding that there will be no re-negotiation of already agreed principles and commitments; no disruption or distraction from the continuing implementation of existing international environment agreements; and no dilution or backtracking of existing internationally commitments on the protection of environment.

The other members of the Philippine delegation to the session included Minister Leila C. Lora-Santos of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York and May Ofrasio of the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi. END

For more information, visit www.nairobipe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinKenya/