President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday underscored the urgency of international cooperation in addressing climate change during a courtesy call in Malacañang.
The meeting came as the Philippines reels from the devastation of Super Typhoon Uwan and Typhoon Tino, which left casualties and widespread damage across several regions.
President Marcos said Ban’s continued advocacy for climate resilience and sustainability resonates deeply with the Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations.
“Sustainability is key to the survival of my country,” Mr. Marcos told Ban. “I am glad that you continue this very important work,” he added.
Ban, who served as UN chief from 2007 to 2016, expressed sympathy for Filipinos affected by the recent storms and commended the government’s efforts in disaster response and recovery.
He also called on the global community to step up climate financing and support for countries on the frontlines of environmental crises.
Ban’s visit follows his participation in the Trans-Pacific Sustainability Dialogue (TPSD) in Makati City on Monday, where he joined regional leaders and experts in pushing for stronger partnerships to achieve the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The TPSD is a collaboration between Stanford University’s Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center and the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future.
The forum aims to bridge research and policy in addressing global sustainability challenges.
President Marcos’ meeting with Ban highlighted the administration’s growing diplomatic focus on climate resilience, an area the President has repeatedly described as central to national security and eco
