Gilbert Perdez

In a groundbreaking move on the inaugural day of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28 UAE) in Dubai, a consensus among delegates has ushered in the operationalization and capitalization of the much-anticipated Loss and Damage (L&D) fund and funding arrangement. This marks a pivotal breakthrough in addressing the adverse impacts of climate change, with the Climate Change Commission (CCC) commending the commitment to aiding vulnerable nations.

COP28 President, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, declared the operationalization and capitalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, a crucial advancement for this year’s UN climate conference. The fund, designed to compensate countries grappling with climate-induced loss and damage, garnered approximately USD 400 million in pledges.

Emphasizing the urgency of L&D financing, Al Jaber stressed, “This Presidency is committed to unlocking finance to ensure that the global south does not have to choose between development and climate action.” He called for this COP to be the year where climate finance aligns with the urgency of the moment.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), as the host of COP28, demonstrated leadership by committing USD 100 million to the fund, underlining the collective responsibility in addressing climate challenges. Germany and the United Kingdom joined in with substantial contributions of USD 100 million and GBP 60 million (USD 75 million), respectively. Japan and the United States also pledged their support, with Japan contributing USD 10 million and the USA committing USD 17.5 million.

The Philippines, highly vulnerable to climate impacts, welcomed this decisive action. Secretary Robert EA Borje of the Climate Change Commission acknowledged the historic move forward, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration. However, he cautioned that as celebrations ensued, attention must not waver from the crucial work needed for scaling up adaptation-mitigation efforts.

This landmark decision showcases a united effort by nations to address climate change, reflecting the international community’s dedication to mitigating its devastating effects. COP28, a significant UN climate conference, brings together representatives from 198 parties to deliberate on pressing climate issues, building upon previous agreements such as the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol.

As the Philippines prepares to deliver the National Statement during the World Climate Action Summit on December 2, a key event of COP28, the global community anticipates the transformation of climate-related decisions into credible plans and concrete actions. The launch of the Loss and Damage Fund stands as a testament to the world’s commitment to climate resilience and collective action.

In a landmark event that unfolded on Thursday, November 23, a cohort of influential business leaders and policy experts convened to spearhead a conversation centered around ambitious corporate climate action. The focus extended beyond traditional environmental considerations, delving into pro-poor and gender-sensitive solutions. The gathering showcased a distinguished lineup of speakers and panelists, representing a significant milestone in the realm of sustainable business practices.

“This is a historic event to include business leaders in the commitment to transform the country into a resilient, low-carbon society,” expressed Secretary Robert E.A. Borje of the Climate Change Commission. He underscored the urgency of scaling up efforts in a predictable manner, emphasizing the moral imperative inherent in safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the future of the populace.

The discussion, expertly moderated by Ms. Ping Manongdo, Southeast Asia Partnerships Manager and Philippines Country Head at Eco-Business, delved into the symbiotic roles of government and the private sector in achieving tangible emission reduction goals.

Mr. Jaime Zobel Urquijo, Chief Sustainability Officer and Risk Officer at Ayala Corporation, emphasized the significance of metrics and baselining. “We identify our baseline emissions on a yearly basis, and we are fortunate to have a net-zero commitment and a visionary leader in the person of the CEO of Ayala Corporation,” he shared.

Ms. Chaye Cabal Revilla, CFO and Chief Sustainability Officer at Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, highlighted the critical role of baselining and measurement. “We want to be net negative and fortify our environmental stewardship plans,” she emphasized, pointing out the importance of setting the tone from the top.

Ms. Leah Marie Ayeng, General Manager of Prestige Paper Products, stressed the importance of investing in sustainable products to accelerate climate consciousness and enhance business viability. “I believe that a responsible business is also a profitable business,” she asserted.

Mr. Ted Monroy, Country Representative, United Nations Industrial Development Organization Country Office Philippines, shed light on the intersection of climate change and development, particularly in typhoon-prone areas like Mindanao. “If there’s no energy, there’s no development. We focus on renewable energy and supporting local development,” he explained.

A stark warning came from Mr. Horia Adrian, President and CEO of Holcim Philippines Inc.: “We will consume 2.5 planets by 2030 if we continue like this. Sustainability is very tangible because it affects the entire world.”

In a powerful call to action, Mr. Adrian emphasized, “People should feel sustainability in their heart. We can provide the solution, but the solution has to be used.”

The Q&A session brought forth insights on advertising sustainability and encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt eco-friendly practices. Ms. Revilla addressed the costliness of sustainable business practices, stating, “It’s more costly, but it’s in our DNA.” Mr. Urquijo added, “We just need to be a lot more creative in unlocking value.”

In the closing remarks, Secretary Borje stressed the inseparable connection between business success and environmental sustainability. “There is no business on a dead planet. The government needs to craft policies to support these changes,” he declared.

The event concluded with a resounding call for collective business action, recognizing the pivotal role of corporations in steering towards a resilient and sustainable future. The unanimous agreement among panelists on the interconnectedness of sustainability, profitability, and societal well-being sets a precedent for future collaborations and initiatives. As Secretary Borje aptly concluded, “What we need to do is scan the horizon and give it a climate change lens. We are learning that climate change is the governance challenge of our generation.”

Officials and senior representatives from Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) member states gathered for the 67th annual Governing Board (GB) Meeting. The meeting, attended by Ministries of Education (MOEs), SEAMEO Secretariat Director, and INNOTECH Center Director as ex-officio members, coincided with the United Nations (UN) Day on October 24. SEAMEO INNOTECH has a history of collaboration with international agencies such as UNESCO, UNDP, and UNICEF.

During the meeting’s opening ceremony, SEAMEO INNOTECH Center Director Prof. Leonor Magtolis-Briones highlighted its significance. She noted that this assembly serves not only as a platform for reviewing the center’s accomplishments and programs but also for fostering partnerships and collaborations among attendees, in line with the principles of the United Nations.

Recently, the Center collaborated with UNICEF for the Youth Summit 2023. As part of the 67th GB meeting, discussions centered on operational strategies, the endorsement of initiatives, and setting the future course of education in Southeast Asia. The primary focus of the meeting was youth empowerment, with an aim to understand, celebrate, and expand successful youth programs implemented by Ministries of Education across the region.

Additionally, as part of SEAMEO’s ongoing mission to provide innovative education solutions for Southeast Asia, the Center underscored the importance of discussions surrounding the development of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), aligning with one of the agendas for this year’s UN Day.

On UN Day, SEAMEO INNOTECH reiterated its commitment to building a better future for every learner in Southeast Asia. The organization believes that through youth empowerment, adoption of innovative practices, and fostering collaborations, a future where education serves as the foundation of a united and prosperous society will emerge.

PINANGUNAHAN ng SEAMEO INNOTECH ang annual program nito para sa National Teachers’ Month nitong Biyernes, Oktubre 6, sa Center’s Pearl Hall sa Diliman, Quezon City.

Ito’y para ipagdiwang at kilalanin ang dedikasyon, commitment, at ambag sa edukasyon ng bawat guro sa bansa.

Halaw mula sa temang nabuo ng National Teachers’ Month Coordinating Council (NTMCC), umikot ang selebrasyon ngayong taon sa “Together4Teachers” na may kahulugang Appreciation (Pasasalamat), Admiration (Paghanga), Approval (Pagkilala), at Attention (Pagtugon).

Maliban dito, nagsagawa rin ng forum ang INNOTECH na may pamagat na “Palette of Possibilities: Illuminating Teaching through Arts and Humanities.”

Nabatid na nasa 100 educators mula sa iba’t ibang lugar sa bansa ang dumalo sa event habang higit 1,000 online participants ang lumahok sa pamamagitan ng Zoom broadcast.

“You illuminate the path for our future generations. It is you who produce the engineers, the scientists, who suffer and lead. Any successful doctor or any successful politician is the product of a teacher, parents, and their sacrifices for their education and development,” ayon naman sa mensahe ni SEAMEO INNOTECH Director at dating Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis-Briones.