7 April 2015 - The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Mr. Achim Steiner delivered his report today on the activities of UNEP for the past three months this year during the 130th Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives held on March 31 at the United Nations Environment Programme Headquarters in Nairobi.

In his report, he highlighted the significance of the 21st Meeting of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) in Paris this December to come up with a credibly negotiated, legally binding and universal agreement on climate change.

He reported to the meeting that in connection with the preparations for COP21, he was privileged to accompany French President François Hollande in the latter’s meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III in the Philippines. During the meeting, President Hollande discussed with President Aquino the issue of climate change and the outlook of the negotiations in Paris this December. The Philippines expressed its readiness to work with France in ensuring the success of COP21.

Executive Director Achim Steiner also reported that the two presidents discussed the Philippines’ vulnerability to disasters caused by climate change, and the Philippines’ positive approach through climate change adaptation and managing the future of its economy in light of the disasters visited upon it with greater frequency and intensity year after year.  The Executive Director acknowledged the efforts of the Philippines in pursuing clean and renewable energy production through its substantial investments in geothermal energy, citing that the Philippines is the second-biggest producer of geothermal energy in the world.  Executive Director Steiner also cited the efforts of the government in protecting against negative impacts of climate change through investments on programs and projects, such as restoring its mangrove forests to protect its coastal population.  Finally, Executive Director Steiner also emphasized the important role of heads of states to provide leadership on climate change issues.

It will be recalled that during the visit of President Hollande last February 26, the French and Philippine presidents issued the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change, which called for climate action, solidarity and justice, cooperation, and financial and technological solidarity. END