PH scores global climate inaction, “dismaying delaying tactics” vs. developing, vulnerable states

June 19, 2022 Sunday



BONN, GERMANY, 19 June 
2022 
— In its strongest statement yet, the Philippines scored the inaction and “delaying tactics” of several key nations that held back results-oriented work of the United Nations for the mandated global climate change agenda, particularly for developing and vulnerable nations.

 
At the closing plenary of the 56th Session of Subsidiary Bodies (SB56) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn, Germany, Climate Change Commission (CCC) Secretary Robert Borje pointed out that key issues, including financing for climate loss and damage and improved modalities to access technology and build capacities, did not gain further traction despite previous pronouncements of commitments by parties to the UNFCCC.   
 
Secretary Borje likewise expressed serious concerns over the impact of inaction on global trust in the work on climate change.    
 
“While key stakeholders engage in dismaying delaying tactics disguised as discussions, we are undermining global trust in multilateralism and eroding the confidence of our people and the youth in the work that we do,” stressed Secretary Borje.
 
SB56 was envisioned to conclude with decision points ready for adoption and implementation in the next session of the Conference of Parties (COP) particularly on financial support to address, avert and minimize climate loss and damages to developing and vulnerable nations.
 
“The Philippines calls for concrete results from our engagements. We must be open, transparent and accountable to this process, ramp up not just plans and processes but adaptation and mitigation actions – up to the smallest unit of governance,” underscored Secretary Borje.
 
Emphasizing the need for climate justice, Secretary Borje said, “We cannot fail our world. Climate justice demands this from all of us. For those who are most responsible for climate change, you have to do more.”
 
Secretary Borje highlighted the importance of giving space “not just for loss and damage dialogue but action” and urged the meeting to “unlock climate finance” for the developing world and developing nations.
 
In separate statements, members and subgroups of the G77 & China Group namely the African Group of Nations (AGN), Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), Least Developed Countries (LDC), Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC), Independent Alliance of Latin American and the Caribbean (AILAC), Brazil-South Africa-India-China (BASIC), Argentina-Brazil-Uruguay (ABU), Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), the Arab Group, Coalition for Rainforest Nations, and Parties including Egypt, Iran, Indonesia, Ghana, Türkiye, Marshall Islands, Nepal, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Panama and Timor Leste, expressed “concern,” “frustration” and “disappointment” over developments at the SB56.
 
With challenges faced by Parties and non-party stakeholders during SB56, Secretary Borje stressed that the demonstrated commitment of the global community to the multilateral process is critical.
 
“While we encountered challenges in SB56, the Philippines remains committed to engage all Parties and non-party stakeholders,” said Secretary Borje. “For us, this multilateral process is crucial to draw in all stakeholders together toward actions that deliver results.”
 
He also underscored that the principle of climate justice must move the world to achieve results, urging nations and the international community to anchor their work and actions on climate justice in the lead up to the 27th Session of the COP to the UNFCCC (COP27).
 
“As we prepare for COP27, we need to ensure that it becomes an energized platform for implementation—as COP27 is aptly described,” said Secretary Borje.
 
COP27 will be held on 6-18 November 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. This year’s theme is “Together for Implementation: Uniting the World to Tackle Climate Change”.
 
“Before we leave these halls, Excellencies, let us recommit ourselves to a COP27 that must be the legacy of decisive action by the global community, a defining moment for much-needed human leadership,” Secretary Borje concluded. 
 
Secretary Borje headed the Philippine Delegation to SB56, with National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla as Deputy Head of Delegation.
 
Comprising the onsite Philippine delegation to SB56 are key officials and representatives from CCC, NEDA, Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Science and Technology. 
 
Watch the full speech of Secretary Borje through this link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=721533739131877.