New Zealand reaffirms climate change support

The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), in partnership with the New Zealand embassy, last week held a meeting with key stakeholders for the second State of Climate Change forum at the Makati Diamond Residences.

- MARIANNE GO

No less than New Zealand Climate Change Ambassador Stuart Horne attended the meeting last week to reaffirm New Zealand's commitment to support the Philippines in advancing climate solutions.

In his remarks, Ambassador Horne assured that New Zealand is committed to working alongside the Philippines in building climate resilience through cooperation and innovation to "create solutions that not only protect communities, but also drive economic growth and investment."

New Zealand, he said, remains committed to the goals of the Paris Agreement even in the face of the United States' decision to withdraw from the global accord to combat climate change.

His country, he said, submitted its first Biennial Transparency Report in December last year, and in February was among the earliest countries to release their second nationally determined contribution.

He acknowledged that the problem of climate change requires global partnerships, "but we also understand that how we partner is just as important as what we deliver. We are working hard to support like-minded countries – including the Philippines – in achieving their climate priorities."

New Zealand, he said, "has consistently championed innovative, flexible and high-trust models with our partners. We are committed to working alongside the Philippines in building climate resilience. Through cooperation and innovation, we can create solutions that not only protect communities, but also drive economic growth and investment."

This was evident, he said, during New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon's visit to the Philippines in April last year. Luxon was accompanied by a trade delegation and there were a number of climate focused outcomes. These included: