Climate dialogue set in Geneva next week

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines has initiated the holding of a high-level dialogue on climate change and labor with unions and employers’ organizations in order to look at possible policy implications of a changing climate next week in Geneva.

As president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, the Philippines arranged the dialogue to be held on the sidelines of the International Labor Conference on June 8.

The possible policy implications of a changing climate that will be looked into include changing thermal conditions in the workplace that can affect the health of workers and the productivity of businesses in industries with exposed populations, such as agriculture and construction.

“Addressing climate change means addressing it in all possible avenues,” said Ambassador Cecilia Rebong, permanent representative of the Philippines to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva.

“The fact that its impact can be felt in all aspects of our lives demands that we give it commensurate attention even in sectors not often associated with environment-related concerns,” she added.

Meantime, enhanced engagement on climate change with other critical sectors was the focus of a CVF meeting chaired by the Philippines. The forum groups 43 developing and vulnerable countries that aim to provide a platform for exchanging information and best practices on how best to address climate change.

Rebong led the discussions on three events lined up to explore the intersections between climate change and the individual sectors of disaster preparedness, health and labor.

The Philippines took part in the Roundtable on Managing Natural Disasters and Climate Change during the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul from May 23 to 24.

The CVF is expected to share its experience in the opportunities and challenges related to financing, with a view to increasing the preparedness of developing countries in responding to hazards.