Statement of
Secretary for Foreign Affairs
ENRIQUE A. MANALO
on the
27th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
In the coming weeks, nations and stakeholders will gather once again to negotiate on what we hope will be significant and resolute actions to turn the devastating tide of climate change. The world’s hopes and eyes will be on the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt.
As a State Party to the Paris Agreement, it is imperative that the Philippines actively participate in COP27, which will tackle this great threat to our peoples and countries. As President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has mentioned, “climate change is here and now” and “there is no other problem so global in nature that it requires a united effort, one led by the United Nations.”
Due to its geographic circumstances, the Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. While we contribute less than 1% to total global greenhouse gas emissions, our country bears the brunt of the adverse impacts of climate change. Every year, we experience an average of 148 natural extreme events and disasters that put not only the welfare of millions of Filipino people at risk but also their lives.
It is for these reasons that the Philippines actively participates in international conferences and meetings on climate change. During COP27, we will continue to articulate our needs and demands with a view towards translating them into agreed policies and actions that leave no one behind.
As developing countries are clearly more vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, the Philippines continues to call upon developed countries to fulfill their obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. The Philippines believes that the New Collective Quantified Goal, aside from setting higher targets from the USD 100 billion climate finance commitment of developed countries, should lay out clear strategies and measures to address climate change effectively.
Inaction and apathy must end now. It is time to translate our words into concrete actions. President Marcos’ remarks at the 77th UN General Assembly reverberate – “When future generations look back, let them not ask why we did not take this opportunity to turn the tide, why did we continue in our profligate ways, until it was too late? This threat knows no borders, no social class, nor any geopolitical consideration. How we address it will be the true test of our time.”
Today we stand at a critical juncture. We have a chance to work together and make a difference for current and future generations. At COP27, we should transcend our differences and draw strength from our common humanity and interests by uniting for actions to address the adverse effects of climate change.
The Philippines conveys its deep appreciation to the UN and the Egyptian government's outstanding work for COP27. The Philippines is strongly committed to the success of this endeavor.
Thank you. END