Secretary Robert E.A. Borje calls on youth leaders to drive innovation and global cooperation for maritime sustainability and climate resilience at the 26th Benilde Model United Nations (BenildeMUN) Conference.

Manila, 4 March 2025 – The Climate Change Commission emphasized the role of innovation in addressing maritime sustainability and climate resilience at the 26th Benilde Model United Nations (BenildeMUN) Conference. As the Philippines’ largest and pioneering collegiate Model United Nations, the event gathered senior high school and college students nationwide for high-level policy discussions on global maritime challenges.

Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of CCC, highlighted the Philippines’ vulnerability to climate change, particularly its impact on coastal communities and maritime industries resulting from rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and marine biodiversity loss.

“The ocean is a lifeblood that sustains communities, economies, and ecosystems worldwide. For an archipelago nation like the Philippines, our connection to the sea is deeply intertwined with our identity, economy, and survival,” Borje stated. “We must harness innovation not only in technology but also in policy, governance, and international cooperation to build a resilient and sustainable maritime sector.”

Borje outlined key initiatives led by the Philippine government to strengthen climate resilience in the maritime sector. These include the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which provides a comprehensive roadmap for integrating climate adaptation into national and local development planning, and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which targets a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with a significant focus on maritime sustainability.

He also referenced the Philippine Ocean Economy Satellite Accounts (POESA) report, noting that over 55% of the country’s municipalities and 81% of its provinces have coastal areas. Borje emphasized the need to balance economic growth in the maritime sector with ecological responsibility.

“The ocean economy of the Philippines grew by 21.1% in 2022, generating PHP 857.74 billion in gross value added. While this demonstrates economic potential, we must ensure that this growth does not come at the expense of our marine ecosystems,” he added.

As part of the government’s broader climate agenda under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Borje called for stronger grassroots partnerships with coastal communities. He emphasized the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific innovations in marine conservation efforts and urged students and young leaders to take an active role in advocating for sustainable practices.

The CCC, through the NAP, highlights the interconnectedness of maritime sustainability, innovation, and climate resilience, and encourages dialogue among future global leaders committed to protecting the world’s oceans for generations to come.

As the conference concluded, Borje left a resounding challenge to the student delegates: “Will we continue to exploit our seas until they are barren and lifeless, or will we harness the power of innovation to protect and restore the life-giving waters that sustain us all?”

He urged the youth to use platforms such as BenildeMUN to propose transformative solutions that shape the future of global maritime sustainability, reinforcing the need for proactive leadership, cross-sectoral partnerships, and science-based climate policies.

The conference also featured a panel discussion on maritime sustainability and security in the Philippines through grassroot-initiated partnerships. Experts shared their insights on global maritime sustainability and its intersection with national security and strategic planning.

The panelists included Capt. Teddy Quinzon, PN (Philippine Airlines); Maria Gabriela Alano (Waypoints Project); Paul Bradley Ong, Chairperson of the International Maritime Organization (IMO); Dr. Patricia M. Licup, Training Program Head of the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) Foundation; Josue Raphael Cortez, Faculty Adviser for the 25th BenildeMUN; and Catherine Samaniego, Chairperson of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's School of Diplomacy and Governance.

Held at the Design and Arts Campus Theatre of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), this year’s conference, themed “Converging Tides: Enhancing Global Maritime Sustainability through Innovation,” gathered student leaders, faculty, and distinguished experts to discuss pressing maritime challenges and innovative solutions to safeguard ocean ecosystems and coastal communities.

For more information about the CCC’s mainstreaming activities, visit https://www.climate.gov.ph.