Warning against the dangers of inaction, the Philippines joined various civil society organizations in a united call to strengthen climate action as it received praise for its active role in climate discourse, at an event held on 27 June 2019 on the margins of the 41st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.  The UN Independent Expert on International Solidarity, Mr. Obiora Okafor served as a panelist.

The Philippines was among the countries that lobbied for the inclusion of human rights and migration in the 2015 Paris Agreement and served as the President of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) from 2015 to 2016. The CVF is an organization of developing countries that has consistently pushed for the target of limiting global warming to 1.50C.

“As a country that is one of the most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, the Philippines has long recognized the dangers of inaction,” said Amb. Evan P. Garcia, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva, in his opening remarks to the panel discussion entitled, Fighting Climate Change through Organizational Solidarity.

Drawing attention to the 2018 Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stating that global warming was likely to reach 1.50C between 2030 and 2052 at its current rate, Amb. Garcia stressed the important role of developed countries in helping bring about meaningful global action.

“For climate action to be truly sustainable and effective, it has to involve all segments of population and sectors of society. It has to be deliberate, relentless, strategic, and inclusive. It has to be built on a foundation of solidarity,” added Amb. Garcia.

The panel discussion was co-organized with various civil society organizations, which recalled how the Philippines had actively led efforts to promote climate action. Among the co-organizers were Associazone Comunita Papa Giovanni XXIII and IIMA Human Rights Office, Vides Internazionale, Company of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, New Humanity, and Teresian Association.