PH joins call for inclusive multilateralism to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution at UNEA-6
Philippine Ambassador to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UNEP Marie Charlotte G. Tang delivers the Philippine national statement during the UNEA-6 high-level segment
3 March 2024, Nairobi – The Philippines joined other countries in calling for more urgent, synergistic and equitable multilateralism in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution at the Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, held in Nairobi on 26 February – 1 March 2024.
Speaking at the high-level segment of UNEA-6, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNEP Marie Charlotte G. Tang highlighted that as a megabiodiverse and environmentally vulnerable country, the Philippines understands the nexus of the three environmental crises, the necessity for balance and synergies in managing them, and the need for the world to work together for more inclusive and effective solutions.
She highlighted some of PH’s actions on both the domestic and international fronts including scaling up ecosystem-based adaptation efforts and nature-based solutions, updating the country’s national biodiversity strategy and action plan to contribute to the 30x30 goals under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, implementing an Extended Producers Responsibility Act to tackle plastic waste, as well as engaging constructively in crafting an ambitious treaty to end plastic pollution.
On climate action, Ambassador Tang underscored that the Philippines will host the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in October this year and the Philippine offer to host the Board of the recently operationalized Loss and Damage Fund.
Ambassador Tang also joined the call for nations to sign and ratify the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) for its early entry into force.
The Philippines recognized the UNEP Regional Seas Programme, in particular the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), and the Philippine-hosted ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, for their work in Southeast Asia.
The Philippine delegation to UNEA-6 was led by Ambassador Tang and was joined by representatives from the DENR and the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi.
The Session adopted 15 resolutions related to abating pollution and promoting sound management of chemicals and waste; halting and reversing the loss of nature while restoring ecosystems; international environmental governance; addressing the root causes of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss and pollution.
UNEA is the world’s highest decision-making body on the environment with universal membership of all 193 UN Member States.
The next UNEA will be held in December 2025 in Nairobi. END.
The Philippine delegation to UNEA-6 composed of representatives from DENR and Nairobi PE and headed by Ambassador Tang (fourth from left).
Ambassador Tang and ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) Executive Director Theresa Mundita Lim
