10 June 2023, Seoul. Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega was one of the panelists in the High-Level Climate Panel: Getting Asia to Net Zero jointly organized by The Elders and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). The event was held on 29 May 2023 at the GGGI Headquarters in Seoul, Korea.

H.E. Ban Ki-Moon, former UN Secretary-General and President and Chair of the GGGI who also serves as the Deputy Chair of The Elders, a small group of independent global leaders working for peace, justice, human rights and sustainable planet founded in 2007 by Nelson Mandela delivered keynote remarks.

In his message, GGGI President Ban said that climate crisis requires a real sense of urgency and collaboration in good faith between global leaders. The challenges are immense but The Elders are resolved to help the world step back from the precipice by demanding ambitious reduction targets and responsible policies and GGGI will continue to help developing countries adapt to climate change and transition to green growth.

During the discussion, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega shared that the Philippines is working on a whole-of-government approach in achieving climate goals. She likewise underscored the importance of private sector cooperation in this goal. "The Philippines' private sector has been stepping up in the last few years. We have established companies and start-ups that are now working on green initiatives like producing power from biomass, utilizing extensive use of solar power, and BESS facilities. E-transport is likewise moving faster now that the country has a development and regulatory framework for this sector".

Emphasizing the positive policy environment of the Philippines and its growing recognition of the importance of responding to climate issues, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega likewise noted that, "There is also a growing consciousness (in the Philippines), and this is very important, that countries which do not invest in green technologies and move towards net zero run the risk of losing economic opportunities with international partners." She likewise shared the positive developments such as greater emphasis on renewable energy under the latest National Renewable Energy Plan, moratorium on new coal-fired plants, and a mandate to increase use of biodiesel, bioethanol, and e-transport.

The Philippine Embassy in Korea continues to work with inter-governmental international development organizations such as GGGI in pursuing the Philippines' green growth objectives. END