Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has represented the country’s local government officials at the opening plenary of the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya.
Belmonte was chosen as the summit rapporteur of the cities and regions to raise their concerns and propositions to UNEA, the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment.
She said cities, such as Quezon City, are initiators of “impactful climate initiatives” and that the national government must work closely with the local government units to successfully meet the challenges for the benefit of the people.
Belmonte showcased how Quezon City developed innovative solutions with the help of stakeholders.
“United action at all levels of government and society is vital to achieving a green, sustainable, and livable future for all,” she stressed.
“There is also a dire need for local authorities to have accessible financial resources and interventions to effectively implement environmental programs at the grassroots level, especially for those who belong to the most marginalized sector of the community,” she added.
The mayor noted that subnational governments must also be involved in implementing multilateral environmental agreements.
Local authorities should be given a platform to actively participate in future UNEA resolutions and other environmental initiatives, she said.
The challenges we face are immense, but our potential for collective action is even greater. Let us embrace the shared responsibility amplified at the summit.”
“Addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution require a united front, where international agencies like the United Nations, national governments, cities, the private sector, non-government organizations and communities at all levels collaborate more closely together in the pursuit of our collective goals,” she pointed out.
In 2023, Belmonte was cited as the UN Environment Programme Champion of the Earth for policy leadership.