The Philippine government is rallying ASEAN neighbors for a strong united position on climate obligations ahead of COP31 in Turkey later this year. Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna stated this during a press briefing on April 27 at the opening of ASEAN Climate Week.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna called for ASEAN member states to develop a "strong united position" on all committed aspects, particularly access to finance, ahead of COP31, during a press briefing on Monday, April 27.
The Philippines is leading the preparation of a joint statement covering adaptation, nationally determined contributions (NDCs), financing, loss and damage, and just energy transition. "Many of us here in ASEAN are developing countries and we would like to move from what we call ambition to delivery," Cuna said.
The Philippines hosts the board of the loss and damage fund, positioning the region to advance recommendations for strengthening access for developing nations, according to Environment Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh.
Civil society groups criticized the Philippine delegation at the previous COP in Brazil for its silence on the fossil fuel phaseout campaign. The ASEAN Climate Week, running from April 27 to May 1, is being held virtually due to government austerity measures in response to the Middle East crisis.