Marcos calls for ‘stronger cooperation’ in 77th UNGA address
Focusing on climate change, agriculture, food security
NEW YORK CITY – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called for stronger cooperation on climate change, agriculture, and food security as he delivered a historic speech at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday (US time).
Marcos, the first Philippine leader to physically attend the UNGA in eight years, described climate change as the “greatest threat affecting our nations and people.”
“There is no other problem so global in nature that it requires a united effort, one led by the United Nations. The effects of climate change are uneven and reflect a historical injustice. Those who are least responsible suffer the most,” said Marcos.
Marcos, who lamented the Philippines’ situation as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change impacts, called for stronger cooperation and accountability in climate change frameworks.
“The Philippines, for example, is a net carbon sink. We absorb carbon dioxide than we emit. And yet, we are the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change,” said Marcos.
Marcos called on industrialized countries to immediately fulfill their obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement to cut their greenhouse gas emissions, provide climate financing and technology transfer for adaptation for the most vulnerable, and developing countries to lead by example.
“We accept our share of responsibility and will continue to do our part to avert this collective disaster,” said Marcos. “This threat knows no borders, no social class, nor any geopolitical consideration. How we address it will be the true test of our time.”
In his speech, Marcos also raised the need to invest in food security to ease a growing global food security crisis.
“We need to take concrete steps towards a modern and resilient agriculture. For food is not just a trade commodity nor a livelihood. It is an existential imperative and a moral one. It is the very basis of human security,” said Marcos.
Marcos said the Philippines looks forward to forging cooperation with the UN and its key partners to boost agricultural productivity and food security.
“To attain food self-sufficiency and security, we are providing innovative solutions and financial support to farmers and fisherfolk to adopt new technologies and connect to national and global value supply chains,” said Marcos.
