Statement: Opening Ceremony, Launch of the Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA)

Statement of Senator Loren Legarda
Opening Ceremony, Launch of the Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA)
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | October 16, 2018
Main Hall, The Ridderzaal, The Hague, Netherlands

Esteemed colleagues in the Global Commission on Adaptation,

I wish to express my profound gratitude for this representation.

Joining you further challenges me, beyond my work in the Philippine legislature and for the UNISDR and the UNFCCC, to advocate for a shared and better understanding of the gravity of the climate crisis, the clamor for climate justice, and the imperative for bold actions and decisive leadership in all levels.

The climate crisis is increasingly proving to be complex and daunting as all countries are challenged to do more with the so little time remaining to ensure that the 1.5 global warming threshold for climate vulnerable nations to survive and thrive is strictly adhered to by all Parties to the Paris accord.

Our Commission must deliver on the expectations of the vulnerable and the poor, not only to become resilient amid climate impacts but also to transition justly our brown economies to green economies and to realize soon the economic and social benefits the pursuit of low carbon development brings to our peoples. We cannot afford to fail. The Commission shall make the difference.

Fellow commissioners, I convey my personal commitment to work closely with you and my highest expectations for the Commission to provide guidance to nations, to translate advocacy to action, and to advance the convergence of efforts of governments, private business, and civil society on climate change adaptation.

Thank you.