June 08, 2022 Wednesday
MANILA, 8 June 2022 — The Philippines urged nations to shift the global paradigm to effectively address the climate crisis to speed up resilience, achieve sustainable development, strengthen environmental protection.
At the plenary session of the Stockholm+50 International Meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, Climate Change Secretary Robert Borje urged nations to go beyond “Build Back Better” and choose to “Build Right at First Sight.”
Secretary Borje pointed out that global resources committed to climate change adaptation available for developing nations were diminishing and necessitated a change in approach.
He stressed that in order to optimize limited financial resources, there is a need to prevent disasters and that it is important to get efforts right at “first sight”, noting that planning, political will and best available science and technology would be crucial.
“We must go beyond build-back-better. With limited resources available, let us choose to Build Right at First Sight: Avert disasters. Work smart, have adequate resources, and anchor policies and programs on universally accessible climate science and technology, emphasized Secretary Borje.
He likewise called on ramped up assistance by the developed countries as developing nations like the Philippines continue to grapple with the impacts of climate change.
“For those who are most responsible for climate change, with the most resources, you need to do more. This is climate justice,” said Secretary Borje.
“Let me say this loudly and clearly – this should not be a choice but an obligation. Justice requires this. Our collective moral fiber should be outraged if we cannot deliver climate justice,” he strongly underscored.
“Our call today: unlock climate finance for the developing world. Unlock it now before it is too late. We don’t ask for handouts. We call for urgent responsible partnership because the environment clock is ticking,” emphasized Secretary Borje.
Secretary Borje headed the Philippine Delegation comprising H.E. Maria Lumen Isleta, Philippine Ambassador to Sweden; National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla, Minister Leila Lora-Santos of the Philippine Mission to the UN in New York City, Deputy Permanent Representative Maria Rossana Josue of the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi, and representatives from the Department of Finance and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Watch the full speech of Secretary Borje through this link: https://www.facebook.
For updates regarding the participation of the CCC in Stockholm +50, follow our social media accounts at /CCCPhl and hashtag #CCCinStockholm50.
