UN hails Legarda as ‘global champion for resilience’

December 1, 2015

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) has named Senator Loren Legarda as its first global champion for resilience during the Climate Vulnerable Forum High Level Event Monday.

Legarda was not able to personally receive the certificate of appointment as she needs to return to the Philippines to preside over bicameral conference committee discussing the proposed P3 trillion budget for next year.

“Hindi ko pa nababasa pero nakita ko yung litrato na binibigay sa ambassador yung appointment or certificate. Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa UNISDR. During the Climate Vulnerable Forum inanunsyo yata nila na ako ay in-appoint bilang global champion for resilience,” she confirmed to reporters Tuesday.

The senator was appointed by Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Margareta Wahlstrom.

According to its website, UNISDR recognizes individuals as Champions for using their political influence to lobby for disaster risk reduction in their country, region and beyond.

“Their motivation often goes beyond professional interest, spurred by a passion for public service and an abiding commitment to build community resilience. This is a non-remunerated honorary position,” the website stated.

Only the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction and head of UNISDR may designate a champion by issuing a letter of designation.
In 2008, Legarda has been named by UNISDR as Asia-Pacific Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction

The senator said her new job will commence in January.

“Sa susunod na taon ay mayroon silang itinalagang makulit na tao na siyang magsasabi (sa mga bansa) na panindigan n’yo itong mga commitment na ginanap sa Paris… mag-lobby ako at magpressure sa malalaking bansa at ipapakita ang nangyayaring kamatayan, baha, kawalan ng trabaho, pagbagsak ng ekonomiya dulot ng mga natural hazards para tulungan ng malalaking bansa ang maliliit at vulnerable na bansa,” Legarda concluded.

Source: GMANetwork.com