We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
EU, Phl eyes creating digital gateway pack
The European Union or EU and the Philippines are crafting a digital development program, set for launch next year to help the boost Internet speed and reach, strengthen cybersecurity, and integrate more women into the digital economy. On Thursday, the Department of Finance said the two partners, along with other countries, are creating the Digital Connectivity Global Gateway Package. “The package has key elements on capacity building, regulatory or policy support, cybersecurity, and enhanced cable connectivity,” a DoF statement said. “The package, which is being considered for launch next year, will also help address the digital gender gap in the country by empowering women in the digital economy,” the DoF added. Connectivity partnership This global partnership on digital connectivity was recently sealed during the first Global Gateway Forum hosted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen from 25 to 25 October in Brussels, Belgium. There were 40 government leaders who attended the forum, with Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno representing the Philippines. Global Gateway is the EU’s largest global investment program, with funding of up to 300 billion euros to be used by partner countries from 2021 to 2027 to improve their digital, energy, and transportation infrastructure, along with health and education systems. During the forum, the EU and the Philippines signed a 60 million euros financing agreement to help the latter realize projects for climate change mitigation and digital transformation. Under its digital program, the European Commission already committed in 2021 to provide all highly populated areas of the EU’s 27 member-states with faster Internet through 5G by 2030. Less than one-third of these areas benefited from that Internet technology two years ago. Expanding use of AI The commission also aims to expand the population of the EU’s small businesses using artificial intelligence and cloud from less than half to 75 percent, and those with basic technology skills from 75 percent to 100 percent over a decade. The Department of Information and Communications Technology, or DICT, on the other hand, is developing 500 to 1,000 digitalization programs. Information and Communications Technology Secretary Mon Gutierrez said the government is doubling its efforts to realize over 10 percent of its total number of digitalization programs through public-private partnerships. Also conducted by the DICT are digital literacy campaigns for government agencies, private firms and the public to spur technological innovations and better digital policies. The post EU, Phl eyes creating digital gateway pack appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Infrastructure crisis
Without infrastructure — including “info-structure” — there can be no development. And without development support, many developing countries will be starved of the infrastructure they desperately need. Infrastructure is the foundation of everyday life for people and economies. From drinking water and basic sanitation, to electricity, connectivity and Internet access. From public services like schools and hospitals, to modern roads, bridges, tunnels, harbors and railways that keep people and goods moving. And yet, billions in the developing world lack access to these basic systems. This infrastructure crisis comes as people are facing a cauldron of challenges across our efforts to advance peace, sustainable development and human rights. This includes soaring costs of living, rising inequalities and the existential threat of climate breakdown. Meanwhile, progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement is slipping into reverse. We must find and fund ways to generate economic growth, create decent jobs, transform energy systems and advance sustainable solutions for the 21st century. Infrastructure is a crucial pathway. We can and must turn the infrastructure emergency into the infrastructure opportunity. The Belt and Road demonstrates that we have a historic opportunity to build modern, green cities, communities and transportation and power systems that place resilience and sustainability at the heart. That deliver services and decent jobs for people in a sustainable manner. And I see the Belt and Road Initiative’s potential to make valuable contributions in two key areas of action. First — by advancing economic sustainability in developing countries. Many developing countries are confronting dramatic financial challenges, drowning in debt and without fiscal space to implement the sustainable development goals. It is time to make the global financial architecture truly global and fit for the 21st century. At last month’s SDG Summit, world leaders endorsed a commitment to reforming the global financial architecture to make it reflect the world economy of today, not the one of 1945. Leaders also agreed that we can take actions right now to promote effective debt relief mechanisms — including by ensuring that countries are not locked into unsustainable debt — and channeling emergency financial support toward those countries that need it most. And leaders also supported an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion per year. Now, in this context, a dramatic context for the developing countries, the relevance of the Belt and Road Initiative is undeniable. It has included nearly $1 trillion in cumulative investments across more than 3,000 projects around the world. The second key area for action is by advancing environmental sustainability. The Belt and Road Initiative recognizes that infrastructure for infrastructure’s sake is not enough. The Belt and Road is an important instrument to make key investments a reality, driven by clear domestic demand, and in line with international best practices. Investments that enable resilience and adaptation across national and local planning. Investments that can help keep our 1.5-degree global warming limit within reach. And investments that don’t leave countries with stranded assets and the polluted dead ends of the past. Many developing countries are confronting dramatic financial challenges, drowning in debt and without fiscal space to implement the sustainable development goals. It is time to make the global financial architecture truly global and fit for the 21st century. I recognize the efforts of the Green Silk Road initiative to anchor investments in sustainable solutions — an area in which the UN is poised to support. But developing countries will need massive support for a fair, equitable and just energy transition towards renewables while providing affordable electricity to all. We all agree that development cannot come at the expense of the air we breathe, the water we drink or the biodiversity that defines our planet’s health. *** Excerpts from the UN Secretary General’s remarks at the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, 18 October 2023. The post Infrastructure crisis appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Climate ‘loss and damage’ talks end with no agreement
A crucial meeting on climate “loss and damages” ahead of COP28 ended in failure Saturday, with countries from the global north and south unable to reach an agreement, according to sources involved in the talks. The agreement to set up a dedicated fund to help vulnerable countries cope with climate “loss and damage” was a flagship achievement of last year’s COP27 talks in Egypt. But countries left the details to be worked out later. A series of talks held this year have tried to tease out consensus on fundamentals like the structure, beneficiaries and contributors — a key issue for richer nations who want China to pay into the fund. A transition committee on the establishment of the fund met late Friday and into Saturday in Aswan, in southern Egypt. But the delegates were unable to reach an agreement and deferred the decision to another meeting due 3 to 5 November in the United Arab Emirates, according to a webcast of the debate on the official YouTube channel of the United Nations. Ahead of the breakdown, the discussion hit a hurdle over where the funds should be held. There was a divide over it being managed by the World Bank, accused of being in the hands of the West, or in a new independent structure, called for by many developing nations, but would be time consuming and complex to replenish with new funds. The failure “is a clear indication of the deep chasm between rich and poor nations,” Harjeet Singh, head of global political strategy for Climate Action Network International, said in a statement to Agence France-Presse on Saturday. “Developed countries must be held accountable for their shameless attempts to push the World Bank as the host of the fund, their refusal to discuss the necessary scale of finance, and their blatant disregard for their responsibilities” under the terms of already established international climate agreements, he said. Rachel Cleetus with the Union of Concerned Scientists said that “today’s disappointing outcome is a blow to communities... facing an unrelenting onslaught of climate impacts.” “The United States and other rich countries seem more focused on evading or minimizing their responsibility than engaging in good faith negotiations,” she added. The post Climate ‘loss and damage’ talks end with no agreement appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
World s largest climate fund seeks cash for developing nations
Paris (AFP) - The world's largest climate fund was seeking fresh cash at a donor conference on Thursday, with all eyes on what the United States will provide for vulnerable nations impacted by climate change.The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was set up as part of the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement to funnel grants and loans to developing countries for adaptation and mitigation projects in a warming world.The fu.....»»
‘Geopolitical tension’ a major threat to climate action: IEA chief
The International Energy Agency (IEA) said Monday that nations need to set aside "geopolitical tensions" and fight for greater international cooperation in order to advance the struggle against climate change. "The 1.5C target" agreed in Paris in 2015 is "still within reach" but it faces "many challenges" the energy watchdog's boss Fatih Birol told an international climate and energy gathering in Madrid ahead of COP28. Among the challenges, "the geopolitical fragmentation of the world" was "creating a key impediment for some of the steps we are hoping to take", he told the gathering of some 40 ministers and top global energy and environment leaders. Although levels of investment in "the technology area and in clean energy technologies" were "very strong", it is not enough, he said. "The lack of international cooperation is a major, major problem. We have to find a way to isolate these geopolitical tensions ... to focus on this issue of countries coming together," he said. The world's energy future will be at the heart of debates at the UN's COP28 climate summit in Dubai, a major oil producer, between November 30 and December 12. Spain's Ecology Minister Teresa Ribera admitted that talks at COP28 were likely to be "challenging" but said "multilateralism is the way to respond to the current challenges". "A global problem deserves a global response," she told delegates. 'Race against time' Global tensions have mounted in recent years notably due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the growing rivalry between the United States and China, hiking fears the climate crisis will be pushed down the geopolitical agenda. The crunch Dubai talks should enable the international community to make progress on the reduction of greenhouse gases and the clean energy transition. It will also be a chance to take stock of national commitments to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement to keep global warming below 2C and if possible to 1.5C compared with pre-industrial levels -- a difficult task in light of current conditions. "The green transition process must pick up speed, we're in a race against time to tackle climate change," Ribera told a press conference, while adding there is "room for optimism" about COP28. The IEA says several conditions must be met for the Dubai conference to be considered a success. Key issues will be a tripling of investment in renewables and a funding mechanism for clean energy in developing countries. In November 2022, the COP27 summit hosted by Egypt wrapped up with a landmark deal on funding to help vulnerable countries but it made no progress on phasing out fossil fuels, which the IEA sees as urgent. "July and August" have been "perhaps the hottest in history, and it looks like 2023 will be the hottest year ever," Birol said with heatwaves, floods and wildfires soaring on all continents. The post ‘Geopolitical tension’ a major threat to climate action: IEA chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Global governance is stuck in time
We confront a host of existential threats — from the climate crisis to disruptive technologies — and we do so at a time of chaotic transition. For much of the Cold War, international relations were largely seen through the prism of two superpowers. Then came a short period of unipolarity. Now we are rapidly moving toward a multipolar world. This is, in many ways, positive. It brings new opportunities for justice and balance in international relations. But multipolarity alone cannot guarantee peace. At the beginning of the 20th century, Europe had numerous powers. It was truly multipolar. But it lacked robust multilateral institutions and the result was World War I. A multipolar world needs strong and effective multilateral institutions. Yet global governance is stuck in time. Look no further than the United Nations Security Council and the Bretton Woods system. They reflect the political and economic realities of 1945, when many countries were still under colonial domination. The world has changed. Our institutions have not. We cannot effectively address problems as they are if institutions do not reflect the world as it is. Instead of solving problems, they risk becoming part of the problem. And, indeed, divides are deepening. Divides among economic and military powers. Divides between North and South, East and West. We are inching ever closer to a Great Fracture in economic and financial systems and trade relations; one that threatens a single, open Internet; with diverging strategies on technology and artificial intelligence; and potentially clashing security frameworks. It is high time to renew multilateral institutions based on 21st century economic and political realities — rooted in equity, solidarity and universality and anchored in the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. That means reforming the Security Council in line with the world of today. It means redesigning the international financial architecture so that it becomes truly universal and serves as a global safety net for developing countries in trouble. At the same time, divides are also widening within countries. Democracy is under threat. Authoritarianism is on the march. Inequalities are growing. And hate speech is on the rise. In the face of all these challenges and more, compromise has become a dirty word. We have just survived the hottest days, the hottest months, and the hottest summer on the books. Behind every broken record are broken economies, broken lives and whole nations at the breaking point. Actions are falling abysmally short. There is still time to keep rising temperatures within the 1.5-degree limits of the Paris [Climate] Agreement. But that requires drastic steps now — to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and to ensure climate justice for those who did least to cause the crisis but are paying the highest price. The fossil fuel age has failed. If fossil fuel companies want to be part of the solution, they must lead the transition to renewable energy. No more dirty production. No more fake solutions. No more bankrolling climate denial. Climate chaos is breaking new records, but we cannot afford the same old broken record of scapegoating and waiting for others to move first. And to all those working, marching and championing real climate action, I want you to know that you are on the right side of history and that I am with you. I won’t give up this fight of our lives. *** Excerpts from the UN Secretary-General’s address to the General Assembly, 19 September 2023. The post Global governance is stuck in time appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US government readies for imminent shutdown
The US government began Thursday to inform workers of an impending shutdown that could see millions of federal employees and military personnel temporarily sent home or working without pay, unless Congress reaches a last-ditch deal. Without an agreement, funding for much of the federal government will expire at midnight on Saturday (0400 GMT Sunday), threatening disruptions to everything from air travel to benefit payments, and – if the shutdown endures – dealing a further blow to the precarious US economy. The stand-off has been triggered by a small group of hardline Republicans who have pushed back against short-term funding deals while Congress tries to resolve a broader deadlock over calls for deep spending cuts. Some federal employees have already been informed of preparations for a lapse, according to a notice seen by AFP. A note to staff at the Department of Health and Human Services outlined how it would see "reduced staffing across nearly every division for the duration of the lapse" although many key programs will continue. The department also updated its contingency plans, adding that "pre-notified employees would be temporarily furloughed," meaning they are not allowed to work. They would receive retroactive pay after the lapse ends, the note said. Staff at other agencies were understood to have received similar notifications. In a shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal workers would be furloughed without pay, and members of the military and other employees who are deemed to be essential would continue working without a paycheck. Certain benefits like Social Security checks would not be hit, but workers who go unpaid could eventually stop showing up, impacting sectors like air travel. 'Dangerous' "If there is a shutdown in just a few days, our service members would be required to continue working but would be doing so without pay, and hundreds and thousands of their civilian colleagues would be furloughed," Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said Thursday. The Treasury Department added that among other implications, "most core tax administration functions will stop" and more than half of the Internal Revenue Service staff will be furloughed. Apart from the possible lapse in funding, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faces an added headache of a Saturday deadline for reauthorization. It remains unclear if lawmakers will pass an FAA reauthorization law separately from a spending package. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on Wednesday: "There is no good time for a government shutdown, but this is a particularly bad time." "The consequences would be disruptive and dangerous," he added. In Washington, a group of young climate activists of the Sunrise Movement entered Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's office to protest against the looming shutdown. The White House warned in a statement that a lapse would leave the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief fund underfunded, "delaying nearly 2,000 long-term recovery projects" across the country. 'Avoidable risk' With days left to pass legislation that would keep the government running, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said Thursday that his chamber is "pursuing bipartisanship." He accused House Speaker McCarthy of choosing to "elevate the whims and desires of a handful of hard-right extremists," with "nothing to show for it." Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate minority leader, said shutting down the government is an "actively harmful proposition." In a full shutdown, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union estimates almost 1.8 million federal workers would go unpaid for the duration -- although receiving backpay afterward. A spokeswoman for the International Monetary Fund added in a briefing on Thursday: "We do see a shutdown as an avoidable risk for the US economy." The post US government readies for imminent shutdown appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
High seas treaty moves closer to reality with first signatures
Dozens of nations on Wednesday began signing a first-ever treaty on protecting the international high seas, raising hopes that it will come into force soon and protect threatened ecosystems vital to the planet. "It's an amazing moment to be here and see such multilateral cooperation and so much hope," said actor Sigourney Weaver said in New York as the signatures opened. The treaty marks change in "the way we view the ocean, from a big garbage dump and a place where we can take stuff, to a place that we take care of, that we steward, we respect," she told AFP. Around 70 countries are set to sign the treaty on Wednesday on the sidelines of the annual UN General Assembly, including the United States, Chile, Fiji, Norway, and the European Union as a whole. But each country must still ratify the treaty under its own domestic process. The treaty will come into force 120 days after 60 countries ratify it. "It is clear that the ocean is in urgent need of protection," said Belgium's deputy prime minister, Vincent van Quickenborne. Without action, "it's game over," he said. After 15 years of discussion, the United Nations sealed the first treaty on the high seas in June by consensus, although Russia said it had reservations. The start of signatures marks "a new chapter" of "establishing meaningful protections" for the oceans, said Nichola Clark of the Ocean Governance Project at The Pew Charitable Trusts. The high seas are defined as the ocean starting beyond countries' exclusive economic zones, or 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) off coastlines -- covering nearly half the planet. Nonetheless, they have long been ignored in discussions on the environment. A key tool in the treaty will be the ability to create protected marine areas in international waters -- only around one percent of which are now protected by any sort of conservation measures. The treaty is seen as crucial to an agreement to protect 30 percent of the world's oceans and lands by 2030, as agreed by governments in a separate historic accord on biodiversity reached in Montreal in December. 'Race to ratification' Mads Christensen, interim executive director of Greenpeace International, voiced hope that the treaty would come into force in 2025, when the next UN oceans conference takes place in France. "We have less than seven years to protect 30 percent of the oceans. There is no time to waste," he said. "The race to ratification has begun and we urge countries to be ambitious, ratify the treaty and make sure it enters into force in 2025." But even if the treaty draws the 60 ratifications needed to come into force, it would still be well below the universal support for action sought by environmental defenders. Oceans are critical for the health of the whole planet, protecting often microscopic biodiversity that supports half of the oxygen breathed by land life. The oceans are also critical to limiting climate change by helping absorb greenhouse gas emissions. The treaty, officially known as the treaty on "Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction" or BBNJ, also introduces requirements to carry out environmental impact studies for proposed activities on the high seas. Such activities, while not listed in the text, would include anything from fishing and maritime transport to more controversial pursuits such as deep-sea mining or even geo-engineering programs aimed at fighting global warming. The post High seas treaty moves closer to reality with first signatures appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
High seas treaty to move closer to reality with first signatures
Dozens of nations are set Wednesday to sign a historic treaty on protecting the high seas, seeking the quick entry into force of an accord designed to protect ecosystems vital to the planet. The United Nations in July sealed the first treaty on the high seas after 15 years of discussion. The start of signatures, during the annual UN General Assembly, "represents an important step to establishing meaningful protections," said Nichola Clark of the Ocean Governance Project of The Pew Charitable Trusts. "We begin a new chapter where the global community must take bold action in order to realize those protections, and ensure the ocean's enormous reservoirs of biodiversity continue to provide benefits for ocean health and the communities across the globe that depend on it," she said. The text of the treaty was formally adopted by consensus even though Russia said that parts of it were unacceptable. The high seas start beyond countries' exclusive economic zones, or 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) off coastlines -- covering nearly half the planet. Nonetheless, they have long been ignored in discussions on the environment. A key tool in the treaty will be the ability to create protected marine areas in international waters -- only around one percent of which are now protected by any sort of conservation measures. The treaty is seen as crucial to an agreement to protect 30 percent of the world's oceans and lands by 2030, as agreed by governments in a separate historic accord on biodiversity reached in Montreal in December. 'Race to ratification' The treaty will come into force 120 days after 60 countries ratify it. According to the United Nations, more than 60 governments plan to initial the treaty starting Wednesday. But formal ratification depends on each country's own domestic process. Mads Christensen, interim executive director of Greenpeace International, voiced hope that the treaty would come into force in 2025, when the next UN oceans conference takes place in France. "We have less than seven years to protect 30 percent of the oceans. There is no time to waste," he said. "The race to ratification has begun and we urge countries to be ambitious, ratify the treaty and make sure it enters into force in 2025." But even if the treaty draws the 60 ratifications needed to come into force, it would still be well below the universal support for action sought by environmental defenders. Oceans are critical for the health of the whole planet, protecting often microscopic biodiversity that supports half of the oxygen breathed by land life. The oceans are also critical to limiting climate change by helping absorb greenhouse gas emissions. The treaty, officially known as the treaty on "Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction" or BBNJ, also introduces requirements to carry out environmental impact studies for proposed activities on the high seas. Such activities, while not listed in the text, would include anything from fishing and maritime transport to more controversial pursuits such as deep-sea mining or even geo-engineering programs aimed at fighting global warming. The post High seas treaty to move closer to reality with first signatures appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UN chief convenes ‘no nonsense’ climate summit, without China or US
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set Wednesday to host a climate meeting marred at its outset by the absence of speakers from the world's top two emitters, China and the United States. Despite increasing extreme weather events and record-shattering global temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and fossil fuel companies reap handsome profits. Guterres has thus billed the "Climate Ambition Summit" as a "no nonsense" forum where leaders or cabinet ministers will announce specific actions that deliver on their commitments under the Paris Agreement. The bar for making the podium was set high, with the UN chief making clear that only leaders who had made concrete plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse emissions would be allowed to speak. After receiving more than 100 applications to take part, the UN finally released a list on Tuesday night of 41 speakers which did not include China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan or India. "Tomorrow, I will welcome credible first movers and doers to our Climate Ambition Summit," Guterres said Tuesday. Several major leaders didn't bother making the trip to New York for this year's UN General Assembly, including President Xi Jinping of China and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak from the United Kingdom, who said he was too busy. US President Joe Biden, who addressed the General Assembly on Tuesday, sent his climate envoy John Kerry to the meeting -- though Kerry won't be permitted to speak. "There's no doubt that the absence of so many leaders from the world's biggest economies and emitters will clearly have an impact on the outcomes of the summit," Alden Meyer of climate think tank E3G said. He blamed competing issues -- from the Ukraine conflict to US-China tensions and rising economic uncertainty. "But I think it's also the opposition in many of these countries from the fossil fuel industry and other powerful interests to the kind of transformational changes that are needed," said Meyer. Catherine Abreu, executive director of nonprofit Destination Zero, said it was "perhaps a good-news story that we see Biden not being given a speaking slot at the summit" because the United States is continuing to expand fossil fuel projects even as it makes historic investments in renewables. "I think about this as being a correction from past summits, where leaders have been given the opportunity to take credit for climate leadership on the global stage, while they continue to pursue plans to develop fossil fuels, and continue driving the climate crisis back at home," she added. While the United States won't take the rostrum, California will be represented by Governor Gavin Newsom. From Britain, London Mayor Sadiq Khan will also attend. Growing anger The event is the biggest climate summit in New York since 2019, when Greta Thunberg stunned the world with her "How Dare You" speech before the UN. Anger is building among climate activists, particularly younger people, who turned out in thousands last weekend for the "March to End Fossil Fuels" in New York. Observers are eager however to see what Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and European Union President Ursula von der Leyen say both on their own goals and on financing commitments for the developing world. The failure of advanced economies, responsible for the majority of historic emissions, to honor their promises to the worst affected lower-income nations has long been a sore point in climate talks. There are some bright spots, including the announcement that Colombia and Panama are joining a grouping called the Powering Past Coal Alliance -- particularly notable as Colombia is the world's sixth biggest coal exporter. Wednesday's summit comes weeks ahead of the COP28 climate talks in the United Arab Emirates, where goals include tripling renewable energy by 2030, and ending by 2050 the generation of fossil fuel energy that isn't "abated" by carbon capture technology. The post UN chief convenes ‘no nonsense’ climate summit, without China or US appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COP28 will include first local climate summit
A summit for non-national authorities will take place during crunch UN climate talks in the United Arab Emirates, officials said Tuesday, in recognition of the role of cities and local governments in averting ecological disaster. Named the "COP28 Local Climate Action Summit," it was announced on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly by Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the president-designate of the COP28 talks, and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg, who will co-host. Its chairs include US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua, with the event to be held December 1-2. "Cities are where the climate battle will largely be won or lost," said United Nations chief Antonio Guterres in a statement. "Mobilizing and equipping local governments with the capacity and financing to accelerate climate action is necessary if we are to bend the emissions curve." In the fight to prevent climate disaster and hold long-term warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, the pledges and policies of national governments have long hogged the spotlight. But, according to a report by the C40 coalition of cities, a network of nearly 100 mayors, "three-quarters of C40 cities have outpaced their respective nation-states in per-capita emission reduction, illustrating the clout of city-led policies and initiatives." Around 70 percent of the world's people are expected to call cities home by the year 2050, and more work needs to be done to ensure subnational governments are prepared to meet the challenges of increasing climate disasters, organizers said. "By bringing hundreds of local leaders to COP28, we will foster new, multi-level partnerships to help fast-track the energy transition, fix climate finance, focus on people, lives and livelihoods, and make sure local voices are heard at the international climate table," said Jaber. Local leaders first convened informally on the sidelines of COP21 in 2015, where the Paris Agreement was adopted. "In the climate crisis, big leadership comes from small governments, and that's a great trend," Oscar Soria, campaign director for the nonprofit Avaaz, told AFP. "However, it also shows the lack of leadership from national governments, who are ultimately the ones that set the tone on ambition and progress on climate." The UN's first official progress report on climate published earlier this month concluded the world is perilously off course in meeting goals for slashing carbon pollution and boosting finance for the developing world. The post COP28 will include first local climate summit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz group leads coastal protection bid
The Aboitiz Foundation, Aboitiz Land, and the Communities Organized for Resource Allocation, or CORA, Foundation signed a memorandum of agreement on 13 September to further reinforce their commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future. The signatories include Aboitiz Foundation president and COO Maribeth Marasigan, Aboitiz Land senior AVP of Legal and Corporate Affairs Atty. Misch Sta. Ana, and Cora Foundation founder and executive director Antoinette Taus. The partnership’s core objective is to unify the strengths and resources of Aboitiz Land, Aboitiz Foundation and Cora Foundation in implementing the “Coastal Clean Up 2.0” in Calubcub II, San Juan, Batangas, the host community of Aboitiz Land’s Seafront Residences. Ramping up ecology protection The Coastal Clean Up 2.0 includes the implementation of capacity development initiatives, as well as the information, education, and communication activities, focused on environmental protection. These efforts target not only the local host communities but also the other stakeholders, too. “With the enduring support of Aboitiz Foundation and CORA Foundation, we are excited to embark on the Coastal Clean Up 2.0 initiative at Seafront Residences. Our strides are bolstered by the expertise of CORA, an organization celebrated for efforts in coastal conservation,” Sta. Ana said. CORA Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to forging sustainable initiatives aimed at addressing pressing global issues including hunger, poverty, inequality and climate change. With a core emphasis on volunteerism, community involvement, and inclusiveness, CORA’s initiatives prioritize the empowerment of marginalized groups, educational institutions, women, and the younger generation. “Nothing can be done without partnerships and collaborations. So to us at CORA, we really feel that this journey is meant to be, and we hope that through this coastal cleanup, it will create the spark or the ripple effect towards so much more,” Taus, a movie artist, said. Meanwhile, Aboitiz Foundation president and COO Maribeth Marasigan emphasized the importance of caring for the environment and how our present actions have a direct impact on our future. The Aboitiz Foundation has been in partnership with the CORA Foundation since 2018, jointly driving the Clean Seas Pilipinas initiative, which focuses on sustainable waste management solutions. The post Aboitiz group leads coastal protection bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Climate protesters throng New York, demand end to fossil fuels
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of New York on Sunday, calling for increased action against climate change ahead of the opening of the UN General Assembly. Taking up multiple city blocks, protesters from some 700 organizations and activist groups carried signs reading "Biden, end fossil fuels," "Fossil fuels are killing us" and "I didn't vote for fires and floods" in a demonstration that came on the heels of a summer marked by multiple climate change-linked disasters. US President Joe Biden is among the world leaders set to attend the UN General Assembly (UNGA), which is scheduled to formally open on Tuesday. "We are here to demand that the administration declare a climate emergency," said Analilia Mejia, director of the activist group Center for Popular Democracy. "We must wake up and take immediate action," she told AFP. A UN climate report released this month named 2025 as the deadline for global greenhouse gas emissions to peak -- followed by a sharp drop thereafter -- if humanity is to cap global warming in line with Paris Agreement targets. The 2015 Paris Treaty has successfully driven climate action, but "much more is needed now on all fronts," said the report, which will underpin a crucial climate summit in Dubai at the end of the year. Achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 -- another Paris goal -- will also require phasing out the burning of all fossil fuels whose emissions cannot be captured or compensated. Mejia, 46, pointed to recent extreme weather events -- from fires in Canada, Hawaii, and Greece to flooding in Libya -- as demonstrating the seriousness of the "existential crisis" posed by climate change. Another activist, Nalleli Cobo, 22, told AFP she'd like to see political leaders "come to my house" in the western US state of California and "spend the night living next to an oil and gas well." Cobo, who has worked with Sweden's Greta Thunberg on climate campaigns, blames the "toxic air" she has been exposed to at her home for the ovarian cancer she contracted at 19. "Our lives are on the line," she said. Biden has made a historic push for green manufacturing, offering billions of dollars for clean energy projects, but some young activists say he has not acted forcefully enough to lead the United States off dependence on fossil fuels. California filed a lawsuit Friday against five global oil majors, alleging the firms caused billions of dollars in damages and misled the public by minimizing the risks from fossil fuels. Top world scientists warn that the world is likely to experience new record heat in the next five years and that global temperatures are more likely than not to breach a crucial threshold of an average 1.5 degrees Celsius rise. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has organized a Climate Ambition summit for Wednesday, during the General Assembly, at which he hopes to accelerate the ongoing work to counter climate change by governments as well as private sector organizations and financial institutions. "History will remember their action, or inaction," said Mejia. "And if we're lucky, human beings will be around to remember what (world leaders) did in this summit." The post Climate protesters throng New York, demand end to fossil fuels appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The vital role of ASEAN
The ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Partnership is more important than ever. We face tests as far as the eye can see — from the climate emergency to a global cost-of-living crisis, raging conflicts and growing poverty, hunger, and inequalities. All these challenges are aggravated by rising geopolitical tensions. There is a real risk of fragmentation — of a Great Fracture in world economic and financial systems, with diverging strategies on technology and artificial intelligence and conflicting security frameworks. I commend ASEAN for your vital role in building bridges of understanding all over the world. ASEAN has played an extremely important role as a center that convenes all those that, unfortunately, represent the most dramatic divisions in today’s world and these series of summits is a demonstration of that fundamental convening role of ASEAN. And we need it in a world that is increasingly multipolar and that requires strong multilateral institutions to go with it — based on equity, solidarity and universality. I am grateful for your steadfast support for multilateral solutions and your contribution of over 5,000 peacekeepers from ASEAN countries. ASEAN’s convening power, commitment to dialogue and experience in conflict prevention are crucial pillars of stability. Today, tensions remain high from the Korean Peninsula to the South China Sea. I am grateful to ASEAN member states for your pursuit of dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution, rooted in the respect for international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Since we gathered last year, the situation in Myanmar has further deteriorated. Brutal violence, worsening poverty and systematic repression are crushing hopes for a return to democracy. The conflict is exacerbating existing inequalities and vulnerabilities faced by women and girls, including sexual violence, forced marriage and human trafficking. More and more people are crossing borders in a desperate search for safety and protection and the situation is untenable. Over one million Rohingya remain in Bangladesh, in the world’s largest refugee camp. And, regrettably, the conditions for their safe, voluntary and dignified return are not yet in sight. Much more is needed. My call to the military authorities of Myanmar is clear: Free all detained leaders and political prisoners; open the door toward the full restoration of democratic rule. We must also end our assault against the planet. ASEAN ranks amongst the most biodiversity-rich regions — and is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. We can still limit the worst impacts and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. ASEAN is uniquely positioned to be a leader of an energy transition that is global, sustainable, just, inclusive and equitable. I commend ASEAN member states that are pioneering Just Energy Transition Partnerships like Indonesia and Viet Nam. And I commend all who are accelerating the phaseout of coal and jumpstarting a fair and inclusive renewables revolution. But greater ambition is needed still — along with much greater support. Developed countries must finally deliver on their commitments to developing countries. Resources are also central to rescuing the Sustainable Development Goals. I have called for deep and structural changes to make global frameworks — including the Bretton Woods system — more representative of today’s economic and political realities and also more responsive. Such change will not happen overnight — and I have proposed concrete steps we can take now, including an SDG Stimulus of US$500 billion a year to the benefit of developing countries for them to be able to reach the Sustainable Goals. This and other action would catalyze SDG progress and help developing economies invest in key transitions across energy, food systems, digital, education, health, decent jobs and social protection. I count on ASEAN member states to help raise global ambition in the vital months ahead. And you can always count on my wholehearted support to shape a future of peace and prosperity for the people of Southeast Asia and the world. *** Excerpts from the UN Secretary-General’s remarks at the ASEAN-UN Summit, 7 September 2023. The post The vital role of ASEAN appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UAE agri, energy, banking deals eyed
The Department of Finance, or DoF, on Wednesday said United Arab Emirates or UAE-based firms are keen on exploring investments in a range of industries in the Philippines, including food, water management, renewable energy, and Islamic banking. DoF said the economic team talked to executives of Brevan Howard, a technology-driven investment management platform; Arqaam Capital, a financial firm for emerging markets; and Investment Corporation of Dubai, the Dubai Government’s principal investment arm for the possible foreign investments. “The companies expressed interest in the Philippines’ renewable energy projects, port operations, water and wastewater management, waste-to-energy projects, upcoming Sukuk bond issuances, Islamic banking, and the Maharlika Investment Fund,” DoF said in a statement to the media. Middle East roadshow Investment and trade discussions surfaced during the Philippine economic team’s investor briefing in the UAE, a seven-state federation, from 11 to 12 September. The finance department said the possible foreign investments affirm the need for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement or CEPA with the UAE aimed at easing and expanding trade between the two countries. DoF said the UAE Government and the Philippines have already signed an agreement for investment protection and collaboration as part of the ongoing negotiations over CEPA. It added the UAE will soon submit to the Philippines its template for the final document on CEPA. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he aims to adopt foreign water technologies, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation canals, and diversion dams to store and distribute more water for households, commercial establishments, and farm irrigation amid the threats of climate change. Food exports to Dubai usually include pineapples, bananas, and fresh and processed fish amounting to over $30 million. For renewable energy, the Department of Energy aims to generate power capacity of at least 20,000 megawatts through a mix of sources, such as the sun, wind and geothermal. Meanwhile, National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said the Philippines is entering the Islamic debt market by issuing Sukuk bonds, or Islamic bonds, in the fourth quarter this year or early next year to raise $1 billion. “Sukuk bonds will diversify the Philippines’ sources of financing, widen its investor base to reach the untapped Islamic finance market, and boost investments in physical and digital connectivity,” she said. The Islamic bonds offer investors a share of profits from projects financed by the debt instrument instead of interest payments from traditional bonds. The government aims to raise $5 billion from commercial borrowing and already acquired $3 billion in January. The post UAE agri, energy, banking deals eyed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sweden leads the way in a sustainable fashion revolution
A beacon of hope, Sweden is pioneering a future-friendly approach to the fashion industry. The “Fashion Forever” exhibition, ongoing at SM Aura from 8 to 14 September, sheds light on said country’s innovative strides in sustainable fashion design, production and distribution. Because of the combined efforts of designers, business people and academics who are dedicated to developing a circular fashion sector, the Swedish fashion scene has experienced a remarkable transition. “Fashion Forever” demonstrates Sweden’s commitment to sustainable development by showcasing the cutting edge of eco-friendly materials and clothing. The Swedish government’s steadfast commitment to sustainability is at the core of this transition. In line with the global Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Climate Agreement, Sweden wants to set the standard for sustainable fashion production and consumption around the globe. [caption id="attachment_182675" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Bags by Zarah Juan[/caption] A standout example from the exhibition is “Textile & Fashion 2030,” a government-supported initiative spearheaded by the University of Borås, in collaboration with the Swedish School of Textiles, SmartTextiles, Science Park Borås and the Research Institute of Sweden. This initiative focuses on researching sustainable fashion techniques in small-scale settings and how brands can scale these innovations globally. The circular economy, which prioritizes resource efficiency and looks for creative ways to maximize the value of products, residues, dead-stock and textile waste, is the central theme of “Fashion Forever.” The display showcases ground-breaking circularity initiatives undertaken by Siptex and Renewcell. A ground-breaking facility called Siptex sorts textiles by color and fiber content using near-infrared light, enabling extensive textile recycling. Circulose® is a dissolving pulp with a high cellulose content that is produced by the textile-to-textile recycling business Renewcell. After that, Circulose® is turned into high-quality textiles including modal, viscose and lyocell fabrics. The collaboration efforts among Swedish fashion stores, design institutes and scientific parks—all backed by the government—are highlighted by Swedish Ambassador Annika Thunborg. She claims that by making these efforts, the fashion industry is able to maintain its creative, thrilling, and financial viability while still being environmentally responsible and consumer-friendly. At the exhibition, H&M, a well-known Swedish fashion store dedicated to attaining 100 percent circularity by 2030, presents its “Innovation Stories” program. This effort, which focuses on sustainability, investigates forward-thinking concepts and creative fabrications and designs. [caption id="attachment_182676" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] (FROM left) Dan Mejia, H&M South Asia’s Regional head of Communications and PR, Swedish Ambassador Annika Thunborg and Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for Marketing at the launch of Fashion Forever in SM Aura. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF FASHION FOREVER EXHIBIT[/caption] The event also features local companies and creators from the Philippines who support ecological methods, such as Zarah Juan and Lily of the Valley. To reduce superfluous production and create long-lasting clothing and accessories, they work with local resources, handcrafted techniques and made-to-order procedures. Prioritizing ethically sourced materials and small-scale, community-based production, Zarah Juan is known for its vibrant and uniquely Filipino designs. Lily of the Valley is a pioneer in a take-back program to recycle used and outdated undergarments and offers 100 percent made-to-measure innerwear items to cut down on overproduction. “Fashion Forever” was started by the Swedish Embassy in Manila with help from the Swedish Institute and collaborations with SM Aura and H&M. The post Sweden leads the way in a sustainable fashion revolution appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASEAN summit ‘productive’, biz meetings net $22M investment pledges: Marcos
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit demonstrated the commitment of countries in the region to regional cooperation and multilateralism. In his latest YouTube vlog on Thursday, Marcos said that the summit was a productive one, and that he was able to promote and highlight key interests of ASEAN. He said these interests include food and energy security, security, migrant workers protection, climate change, and digital transformation. "I was able to participate in 12-leaders level meetings, including with Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States and the United Nations," Marcos said. "In these meetings, I promoted and highlighted key interests of ASEAN, such as food and energy, security, migrant workers protection, climate change and digital transformation --- issues that are of strategic importance to the Philippines," he added. Marcos also said that he had a productive meeting with the President of the World Bank Group, where they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in areas such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, and sustainable development. On the sidelines of the summit, Marcos met with top executives of select Indonesian companies who are looking at the Philippines to expand their presence further. He said that these meetings resulted in $22 million in investment commitments in areas crucial for the Philippines' economic recovery efforts, such as agriculture and the digital economy. Marcos also witnessed the signing of the Philippine-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which he said would strengthen the Philippines' bilateral trade and investment relations with South Korea. "The FTA will generate jobs and contribute to the Philippine value proposition as an ideal regional hub for smart, sustainable investment," Marcos said. Marcos reiterated that the Philippines will chair the ASEAN in 2026 instead of 2027. He said that the Philippines stepped up to this role to ensure the continuity of its progress towards a people-oriented, people-centered, inclusive, and resilient ASEAN community. He also thanked and congratulated Indonesian President Joko Widodo for "his very able stewardship" as chair of ASEAN this year and for making ASEAN as important as it ever has been. "I also thank them for the very warm hospitality of the Philippine delegation, And I look forward to able leadership of Lao PDR when they host the ASEAN in 2025," he said. The post ASEAN summit ‘productive’, biz meetings net $22M investment pledges: Marcos appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ADB, Deutsche Bank offering SME loans
The Asian Development Bank has partnered with Deutsche Bank to fund operations of small and medium enterprises or SMEs, especially those in the pharmaceutical and agriculture industries. The two banks signed an agreement to utilize ADB’s Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program and Deutsche Bank’s funds from revenues of its global network of large corporate clients to boost working capital for SMEs. “Partnering with Deutsche Bank will allow companies, particularly SMEs, to access the global supply chain which can spur economic growth and contribute to job creation,” ADB’s Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury said in a statement last Tuesday. “Together, we will help smaller companies achieve growth through better access to supply chain financing. We believe this is important, as we are seeing increasing demand for this in the trade sector,” Deutsche Bank Head of Trade Finance and Lending for Asia Pacific Matthew Moodey said. The ADB said businesses demand around $2.5 trillion to sustain operations, but SMEs remain the least supported. With its partnership with Deutsche Bank, ADB said SMEs can boost trade in Asia and the Pacific, generating additional revenues amounting to over $200 million. The bank added pharmaceutical and agriculture products and services will be high in demand as the world population expands and countries prevent another pandemic and fight climate change. The post ADB, Deutsche Bank offering SME loans appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PEZA, BoC inks data-sharing pact
To improve trade and economic zone efficiency, PEZA and BoC signed a data-sharing agreement. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority, or PEZA, and the Bureau of Customs, or BoC, announced on Wednesday that their historic collaboration had been formalized. This monumental partnership culminated in the ceremonial signing of the Data Sharing Agreement for access to the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo System. The effectiveness and security of trade and economic zone operations in the Philippines are expected to be revolutionised by this historic agreement. Revolutionary power Under their leadership, Director General Tereso O. Panga and Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio has recognized the revolutionary power of efficient data sharing and collaboration. This ground-breaking collaboration has been made possible by their unwavering dedication to modernizing customs and economic zone operations. In order to protect the interests of the country, the BOC, which is tasked with overseeing the handling, possession, and delivery of products at all ports of entry, plays a crucial role. Real-time tracking of inland movements of containerized products has been made possible by the E-TRACC System, which was adopted by Customs Memorandum Order 04-2020. Meanwhile, PEZA, operating under Republic Act 7916 (as amended by Republic Act 8748), looks after regulating, overseeing, and facilitating business operations within economic zones. Both agencies’ contributions to the growth and prosperity of the country are obvious through the thriving economic activity within these zones. Data sharing agreement The Data Sharing Agreement formalizes the collaboration between these two vital agencies. PEZA will gain access to BOC’s E-TRACC System data, enabling real-time monitoring of containerized goods and individuals within and outside economic zones. This partnership promises to enhance efficiency, transparency, and security in cargo transportation to and from these zones. The key provisions of the agreement focus on data privacy, security, storage and retention of confidential information. The BoC and PEZA highlight their commitment to maintaining data privacy regulations and protecting sensitive information. To make sure that sensitive information is only used for those purposes, strict controls will be put in place. The Data-Sharing Agreement’s signature represents an agreement among the agencies to work together to promote innovation, effectiveness, and compliance in their own fields as well as wanting to work together to improve trade and the economic climate in the Philippines. The post PEZA, BoC inks data-sharing pact appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UK boosts maritime cooperation with Phl amid tensions in South China Sea
The Philippines and the United Kingdom have agreed to bolster their maritime cooperation, British Secretary of State for Foreign Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Spencer Cleverly said Tuesday. During his one-day visit to the Philippines, Cleverly signed a joint statement of intent to develop a framework agreement with his Filipino counterpart, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. “This is an exciting time for our relationship. Our UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership benefits our people, including on climate, trade, science, and tech, and shared security,” he said in his speech before reporters at the Manila Diamond Hotel, Roxas Boulevard. “Our relationship is founded on our shared values, and shared belief in openness, freedom and the rule of law,” he added. Cleverly announced that the UK agreed to broaden its maritime cooperation with the Philippines by sharing knowledge on maritime law, promoting maritime domain awareness, and advancing environmental protection. Aside from his meeting with Manalo, the English top diplomat also visited the Philippine Coast Guard to “hear about the work they do to uphold UNCLOS and protect the environment.” The visit came weeks after the China Coast Guard aggressively attempted to block the Philippine vessels from its resupply mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. Several countries such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, France, and New Zealand, condemned China’s actions. Cleverly said the UK wants to build “enduring partnerships with the Philippines and like-minded countries across this region to safeguard security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.” For his part, Manalo said the UK is an “important long-standing partner of the Philippines, especially in this time of geographic upheavals, economic disruptions, and challenges to the rule of law.” “During our meeting today, we also discussed pressing and evolving regional and international issues of mutual concern,” he said. “The Philippines and the UK are like-minded partners through our shared values of democracy and the rule of law, our unwavering commitment to the rules-based international order, and our pursuit of peace and stability,” he added. Aside from maritime cooperation, the two foreign ministers also discussed areas of defense, security, climate, economics, and people-to-people ties in their meeting. Cleverly is the first British Foreign Secretary that has set foot in Manila since 2016. The post UK boosts maritime cooperation with Phl amid tensions in South China Sea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»