PARIS, France -- The Philippines was elected as co-chair of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)’s Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches (IFCMA), an initiative to assess the impacts of national mitigation interventions on global greenhouse gas emissions.

The Philippines’ Climate Change Commission (CCC) Secretary Robert E.A. Borje will sit as co-chair, along with Switzerland’s Martin Baur and Chile’s Maria Jose Garcia. Serving as co-chair presents new opportunities to further strengthen international cooperation in climate action, between developing and developed nations. 

The announcement was made during the first IFCMA Steering Group Meeting on 13 June 2023.  

“The Philippines welcomes the OECD’s invitation to be part of the IFCMA, and election as Co-Chair. Under IFCMA, the Philippines will work to ensure that this will serve as a more focused venue for interaction among, and cooperation between countries, towards practicable and pragmatic partnerships to fast-track higher impact and cost-effective climate change mitigation actions,” said Secretary Borje.  

The Philippines is the only middle-income nation among Asia-Pacific countries in the Steering Group (which includes Japan and Singapore), and to be elected co-chair. 

“The Philippines is thankful for the vote of confidence and support. The election, we believe, demonstrates the continued and growing recognition of the Philippine Government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s commitment and capability as a meaningful and constructive partner for transformative climate change action,” added Secretary Borje.

Earlier in February, the Philippines participated in the IFCMA inaugural meeting in Paris, France. IFCMA aims to assess national carbon mitigation approaches’ impact on global emissions – a project that will run from 2023 to 2025.  (CCC)