Preparations underway for Marcos attendance to COP28 in Dubai

MANILA, Philippines — Preparations are underway in case President Marcos decides to attend the 28th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties or COP in the United Arab Emirates in December after he was formally invited by COP28 president Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber to attend the climate summit, according to Climate Change Commission (CCC) Secretary Robert Borje.

“What we know is that the President is formally invited by his counterpart, and is an indication of the importance given to President Marcos that the ambassador personally conveyed the invitation from his president,” Borje said at a press conference Friday night.

“We are waiting for the guidance and the instruction from the Office of the President. We always prepare for any decision, and so what’s best for any government agency at this point is to assume that we do the motions of preparations,” he added.

UAE Ambassador Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi recently met with Marcos and communicated the invitation.

Borje said the President’s attendance at the COP28 is very important, adding that any opportunity for the latter to be in the UAE will be seen as the highest expression of partnership between the two countries.

“I think the phone conversation between the presidents would be an indication of the value given to President Marcos’ leadership and recognition of his pronouncement on the importance of working on climate justice and working with other partners in the international community. The UAE and the Philippines have a lot to work on, a lot of things to advance,” Borje added.

Aside from climate change, there are many areas of possible cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE, such as migrant workers’ issues and trade and investments, according to the CCC chief.

“Again, this is all up for decision, and we await the formal decision from Malacañang. The President knows the value of COP28, and he had said that before. What is important to note is that whether he presents or he conveys his support in another way, the main message of cooperation and partnership remains,” he said.

“While we await the formal decision from the Palace, it is important to acknowledge and recognize that we need to continue with the partnership in whichever form required because at the end of the day, what’s important are the policy decisions made by governments,” he added.