PH takes part in discussions on migration, climate change at UN assembly
THE Philippines convened a Ministerial Roundtable on Migration, Environment and Climate Change in the Asia Pacific region to discuss possible areas of cooperation.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo headed the meeting with Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), at the sidelines of the High Level Week of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly on Sept. 21, 2023 in New York.
IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) Director General and Special Representative H.E. Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi gave their remarks.
As a champion of the rights of migrants and a leading voice for climate action and justice, the Philippines took the lead in organizing the event to elevate discussions and identify the linkages between migration, environment and climate change to determine specific needs and potential areas of cooperation.
The roundtable was a significant opportunity for countries in the Asia Pacific region to share their experiences and perspectives on the complex nexus of these issues, including how to enhance global and regional actions supporting migrants and communities affected by the adverse impacts of climate change and other environmental hazards.
Recognizing the detrimental effects of climate change on vulnerable countries like the Philippines and small island states, Manalo expressed the hope to forge effective common action in the region and globally on the impact of climate change on migration.
The Roundtable also featured keynote presentations by the Chair of the Committee on Migrant Workers Edgar Corzo Sosa and Columbia Climate School Lamont Research Chair Dr. Radley M. Horton.
Their expertise enriched the conversation and helped in developing a shared understanding of these issues amongst participating governments.
To build positive momentum for UNFCCC COP28 in Dubai, UAE later this year, the roundtable also aimed at catalyzing initiatives that address and mitigate the impacts of climate change on mobility in the Asia Pacific considering that other regions and groupings, such as Africa and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), have formulated programs that relate to migration and climate change.
The event brought together high-level participants from countries in the Asia Pacific region.
