Marcos: Deeper innovation, closer cooperation vs climate change

Photo from the official Facebook page of PCO

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday stressed the need for “deeper innovation” and “closer cooperation” between countries against the impacts of climate change.

Marcos made the pronouncement during a ministerial dinner for the 2024 Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Malacañang.

READ: Over 4,000 coming for PH-hosted int’l confab on disaster mitigation

According to Marcos, the conference paves the way for a vital opportunity that would allow different participating countries and international bodies to share knowledge, build stronger partnerships, and implement innovative strategies against the effects of climate change.

“The increasing frequency and severity of natural hazards call for deeper innovation, for closer cooperation, and for sustained commitment from all of us,” said Marcos in a speech, noting how the Philippines remains to be among the countries most exposed to disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

“Through this conference, we are presented with the opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration, especially in leveraging science and technology to alleviate the impact of climate change and ensuring that disaster risk reduction financing is accessible to all,” he added.

The President also noted how the APMCDRR will be conducted at a time when the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction “has never been more critical.”

The Sendai Framework refers to the global blueprint for disaster risk reduction, which outlines how countries can work together to identify and reduce risks before turning into disasters.

“Our vision is clear: to reduce disaster risks and losses, protecting lives, livelihoods, and the social and economic pillars of our societies,” Marcos said.

The APMCDRR will be held from Oct. 14 to Oct. 18 at the Philippine International Convention Center or PICC in Pasay City.

More than 4,000 delegates from 69 countries are expected to participate in the event.