MANILA, 18 May 2023--Representatives of 29 United Nations (UN) Member Countries, including nine ambassadors, participated in a dialogue with the UN Philippines on the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2024-2028. The UNSDCF will serve as the compact between the Philippines and the UN, guiding the relationship between the UN and the Philippines for the next five years.  UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez explained 10 features of the UNSDCF, which make the latter unique from former UN Cooperation Frameworks.  The UNSDCF is among the new generation of Cooperation Frameworks under the UN Development System Reform. The new CF will make the UN more coordinated, integrated and effective. Second, the new CF is aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and the Bangsamoro Development Plan (PDP) and is therefore strongly based on the priorities of the country.  Third, the new CF is founded on a human rights based approach to development, and thus focuses not just on economic growth but on the right to food, the right to clean air, among others. The new CF also envisions to address inequalities and ensure the inclusion of groups that are left behind, including indigenous peoples, members of the LGBTQI+ community, and others. Fourth, the new CF adopts a new business model, which will shift the focus of the UN's work from service delivery towards policy development and normative work.  Fifth, the UN will transition from funding to financing. In the context of increasingly reduced Official Development Assistance (ODA), the UN will promote the mobilization of domestic resources, vertical funds, and more strategic use of core resources. Sixth, the UN will help to expand and systematize South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) in close coordination with the Government. Seventh, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) accelerator will be a priority of the new CF. Eighth, the UN will aspire to be a coalition-building partner, and engaging with the private sector and the multilateral development banks (MDBs) is part of the future that the UN Philippines envisions. Ninth, the UN will enhance its normative support by ensuring that the country remains on track with various international conventions, such as on human rights, sustainable consumption and production, and biodiversity protection, among others. Tenth, under the new CF the UN will contribute towards filling critical gaps as the Philippines undertakes to become an Upper Middle Income Country (UMIC). Below are comments provided by a number of the participating diplomatic delegations: H.E. Ambassador Marcela Ordonez of Colombia  The UN reform was undertaken for a much-needed purpose: to achieve the SDGs. Inter-agency work is not an option; it is a mandate under the UN reform.  H.E. Ambassador Juha Pyykko of Finland  I am happy that you are focusing on human rights based approach in the new Cooperation Framework. Human rights are conducive to a good business environment and thus make good economic sense, too. Ms. Jennifer Bennett, Second Secretary (Political) of the Embassy of Australia   We appreciate the work of the UN. The new Cooperation Framework aligns with what Australia is supporting in the country.  H.E. Ambassador Ricardo Luis Bocalandro of Argentina  The new Cooperation Framework features a lot of innovative concepts and approaches. The UN has chosen to take the right road—listening to the government and to the international community. This consultation sets a promising partnership. H.E. Ambassador Aagus Widjojo of Indonesia   I appreciate the UN Philippines for completing a comprehensive Cooperation Framework. We wish you success in its implementation.   M.E. Ambassador Marielle Geraedts of Netherlands  The business model for the new Cooperation Framework prioritizes the UN’s normative work. Lessons from the UNJP on Human rights will be useful.  Mr. Lloyd Cameron, Economic and Climate Counsellor of the Embassy of the UK  The aspirations of the new Cooperation Framework are long-term; thus, the UN might consider what it can accomplish by 2028.  H.E. Ambassador Antonio Jose Maria de Souza e Silva of Brazil  There is a window of opportunity for South-South and triangular cooperation and Brazil would like to explore this with UN agencies.  Ms Mojca Krisper Figueroa, Programme Manager of the EU  This Cooperation Framework is comprehensive and is aligned with our programme. We look forward to the implementation of the triple nexus approach.  Mr. John Luk, Counselor (Development) of the Embassy of Canada  We await the targets for the outcomes as this is where the rubber hits the road.  Mr. Zhu Min, Officer-in-Charge of Commercial Section, Embassy of China Economic development is key to achieving the four priority areas of the Cooperation Framework.  China wants to expand its South-South cooperation partnerships with UN agencies. Ms. Violeta Dominguez, Head of Cooperation of the Embassy of Spain  Spain is exploring triangular cooperation (Spain-Latin-America-Philippines) in some of the areas identified by the UN cooperation framework. Mr. Kwon Soonhyun, Counsellor and Chief of Economic Department, Embassy of Korea "Korea is a strong supporter of South-South Cooperation and will seek synergies with other partners within the new UN Cooperation Framework." Ms. Teresina Calabia, USAID "The new UN Cooperation Framework shares similar areas of interest with USAID."  [Ends]  

The Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership, a multi-donor partnership pursuing acceleration in energy transition in the region, has published a  stocktake and options report on Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) for the benefit of the Department of Energy (DOE). The Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) brings together the governments of Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Canada with Philanthropies such as the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Sequoia Climate Foundation, and other foundations. The MRE study assesses various marine renewable energy technologies, their sustainability and suitability for power supply in the Philippines. The report presents opportunities for the Philippines to accelerate energy transition while ensuring energy security through optimizing use of abundant marine resources. MRE harnesses energy from ocean resources and includes offshore wind, marine solar, wave and tidal motion energy, and differences in water temperatures, and more. DOE recognizes the benefits of MRE and is taking action to explore how these resources can be utilized. The Philippines’ geographical location and archipelagic features endow the country with significant MRE potential as initially outlined in the World Bank’s Offshore Wind Roadmap for the Philippines. The MRE report underscores the potential wave energy source and ocean renewable energy options in the country. These capacities can help augment renewable power supply and support the country’s goal to increase the share of renewable energy to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. Among MRE technologies, the report denotes, offshore wind is the most commercially ready with numerous installations and well-developed supply chains. Currently, the DOE prioritizes offshore wind development given a high private-sector interest. This policy direction is particularly aimed at the development of offshore wind resources. The broader MRE technologies, such as marine solar, tidal in-stream, wave, and ocean thermal energy conversion, are at various phases of technological maturity. Small pilot systems can still be deployed in the Philippines to explore their economic supply of energy in off-grid areas such as islands and remote locations where energy dispersion is poor. Developing the MRE offers co-benefits in addition to clean ocean-based energy production. MRE creates local jobs, expands supply chains, and enhances livelihood opportunities. These initiatives promise long-term sustainability and income, especially for the local and indigenous communities in isolated off-grid areas. Including indigenous communities within the project supports responsible use of energy supply, due to community understanding and knowledge of their environment. “At ETP we aim to provide practicable but bold and pioneering solutions for advancing the Philippines' ambition to reach its renewable energy targets, deploy resilient and sustainable energy and to decarbonize the economy,” says Sirpa Jarvenpaa, Director of ETP.  MRE has the potential to contribute to achieving the Philippines’ Paris Climate commitment by substituting fossil fuels to reduce greenhouse gasses and other pollutants. Renewable Energy Management Bureau of DOE (REMB) Director Marissa Cerezo highlighted that it is the government’s endeavor to ensure stable and secure energy supply throughout the country. There are also synergies for the development of blue economy sectors (e.g. water, aquaculture, tourism, aquatic transportation). However, significant challenges still exist in developing MRE in the Philippines. The technologies are relatively new and the financial institutions view these as high-risk projects. As such foreign direct investment and international support is likely to be needed to deliver the first generation of MRE projects, the ETP report notes. Particularly, technical capacity building, feasibility assessments, and financial assistance are still needed to support the establishment of the MRE testing and deployment. The Department of Justice opens doors to allow the 100 percent foreign ownership for RE projects. The corresponding DOE Circular in the same context helps the local MRE sector's establishment by learning from international companies. Also, additional grid connections and stability improvement through the use of digital technologies would be required for effective use of MRE supply. Preceding these, there is a need to improve guidelines for identifying suitable zones for MRE development to ensure that any risk of conflicts with protected seascapes and declared natural zones, trade routes, and other uses are avoided.  The next steps in advancing MRE are to provide a series of capacity development for the key stakeholders necessary in the MRE ecosystem, and to holistically engage them on strategic planning, road mapping, capacity training, market mechanisms, and financing investments. These steps will advance the development of MRE in the Philippines. Currently, ETP is engaging with two projects on MRE, namely, Marine Spatial Planning, and Offshore Wind Permitting in the second quarter of 2023. In addition, ETP can support and assist MRE-related programs of the donor community, aligned partners, and potential partnerships. ---------------------------------------------------- The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) manages Southeast Asia ETP, a multi-donor regional platform, that supports the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia’s transition towards modern energy systems that can simultaneously ensure economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. ETP supported the DOE in developing a stocktake report and analyzing MRE options for the Philippines. The report is available on the ETP website. Marine Renewable Energy in the Philippines: Sustainable Energy from Ocean Spaces and Resources Stocktake report is available on Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership website. Our deepest gratitude to Dr. Michael Abundo and his team for producing the MRE stocktake report. About UNOPS UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more: www.unops.org

MANILA, 16 May 2023--Over 50 representatives of non-government organizations (NGOs) participated in a dialogue and consultation workshop organized by the United Nations (UN) Philippines to get NGOs' feedback on the draft UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2024-2028 (UNSDCF). This is the third such consultation organized by the UN. The first one was conducted with Government partners and with BARMM ministries in March this year. On behalf of the UN Philippines, a summary of the comments and recommendations reported by the NGOs on the UNSDCF was provided by Maria Ermina Valdeavilla- Gallardo, Head of National Office of UNHCR in the Philippines. Her summary, as prepared, follows: Distinguished participants, colleagues, partners and friends... good afternoon. On behalf of the UN Country Team, I thank you most sincerely for your active participation in today’s consultation on the UNSDCF 2024-2028. Specifically, we are grateful for your time, your very insightful ideas, and your interest to support the attainment of the envisioned results of Cooperation Framework in the Philippines, which is to further improve the lives of the Filipinos, without leaving anyone behind. It is worth noting that the Framework is the first of its kind in the Philippines. It was developed with UN agencies acting as one in accordance with UN reform. Together with the government, we agreed on key priority areas in the context of the UN Development System Reform. We have learned a lot in the implementation of the Partnership Framework for Sustainable Development (PFSD) and the Socio-economic Peace Building Framework, developed for 2019 to 2023, and we recognize that no strategy is complete without the strong ang competent partners that we have in the non-governmental sector. Thus, we are grateful for your sharing to your valuable time, your very insightful ideas, and your interest to support the attainment of the envisioned results of Cooperation Framework in the Philippines, which is to further improve the lives of the people in the Philippines, without leaving anyone behind. I have keenly observed the discussions and listened with great interest on the thoughts and recommendations of each group. We are very lucky to have been favoured by the participation of stakeholder representatives who have immense understanding of the fast-evolving realities confronted by the most marginalized and vulnerable population groups, whose interests and concerns you competently raised in the group discussions. Your participation in today’s event is a prime example of what is possible – of what we are capable of achieving – if we work together. For this, I thank each and every one of you and at the same time urge you all to continue to collaborate with us beyond this dialogue and workshop. On the reflections ... ▪ First, we are happy to note that the Strategic Priorities and Outcome Areas of the Cooperation Framework are generally in harmony with your aspirations. This is reflective of our shared understanding of the challenges and the most effective ways on how to confront them. Be as it may, we recognize that you have also some priorities that the Cooperation Framework would need to consider, such as reformulating certain parts of the Cooperation Framework for inclusivity not only for purposes of leaving no one behind but addressing the “missing middle.” We also heard that representation of civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations and the very people that concerns the Cooperation Framework should be at the centre of the discussions and the decisions, providing clearer articulation on the vulnerable sectors that we serve, the importance of strengthening of data collection, including in climate action, balancing budget allocation for priorities that are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, the importance of capacity development and provision of viable technologies for local governments, and the clear emphasis on the importance of financing. Along this line, the UN Country Team will endeavour to continue dialoguing among its member agencies and with all of you that are especially concerned with these priorities to ensure that they are duly incorporated into the Cooperation Framework, both in terms of the content and implementation. ▪ Second, you have brilliantly identified specific ways by which stakeholders could efficiently and effectively participate in the proposed Cooperation Framework platforms. You said bringing in CSOs and NGOs into a joint planning mechanism for the Cooperation Framework and regional and high-level discussions. You also mentioned having clear indicators for reviewing the Cooperation Framework, and better information dissemination, as well as inclusive and regular consultations with everyone, including the BARMM stakeholders. Your recommendations are not only very practical and doable; they are also potentially catalytic to the further strengthening of partnerships between and among the UN Country Team, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and of course, the people that are covered by this Cooperation Framework. The UN Country Team can be instrumental in ensuring that these discussions on the holistic approach of the Cooperation Framework continue and are consistent throughout its planning, annual review, and implementation. In our efforts, there is emphasis on sustaining our discussions and collaboration for the people that we serve. ▪ Third, you have recommended innovative approaches to optimize the engagement of stakeholders in achieving the Cooperation Framework strategic priorities and outcomes. Among the most innovative approaches you recommended include raising the business sector’s awareness of the SDGs and the Cooperation Framework, engaging the youth and the most vulnerable, and sustaining discussions and collaboration with non- governmental groups. What I like about it is the consistent reference to ensuring that these consultations would look at technology – digital platforms – making it easier for us to have a two-way conversation. I think that is very important. ▪ Fourth, like you, we believe that the groups of people who are hardest to reach and have least time, energy, and information must be supported so that their participation could be more meaningful, not only to us, but more importantly, to themselves. And we can work together on better identifying who these most vulnerable are, and who belong to the middle group – the missing middle – to ensure inclusivity in the Cooperation Framework. I was listening to this and somehow, it has become an inspiration to me to reach out to each and every one in the organizations here because as the representative of the UNHCR, I was not able to hear about forcible displacement. I’ve heard about migration, but in the essence of inclusivity, it would also be good to look at some of the vulnerable populations that are affected by forcible displacement. Your recommendations are impressive because they promise to ensure that the voice of the marginalized and vulnerable groups in hard to reach areas is heard in various levels and because they are likely to make these groups visible and participants to the process of change that affect their lives and well-being. In the course of our work, we have met and collaborated with many of you who have brought value and important inputs to our efforts. And today, we have taken note of all these best practices and approaches as well as your suggestions in reinforcing pillars addressing development goals in the SDG pillars of People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace, particularly in empowering the vulnerable, marginalized, and those at risk and providing them with a more supportive environment where they can not only survive, but thrive. This is the brand of cooperation that we wish to promote and further improve upon under the UN’s Cooperation Framework. With this in mind, we hope that our discussions from today do not end here but is instead the first step towards a stronger and more fruitful partnership. Blaise Pascal, who is a French Mathematician, said that we only consult the ear because the heart is wanting. We consult you mainly because our heart wants to hear what you want to say. There are still many things to discuss, especially the implementation details. And the UN Country Team assures you that our door of consultation will always and be fully open, be it on small or big things. There must never be a final word among partners. Ideas evolve, implementation contexts evolve, and the needs of the people we serve continuously evolve. So, this is only the beginning. We extend to you our invitation for continuing dialogue and consultation until such time that we realize the vision of the Cooperation Framework. Indeed, the UN has remained strong throughout the years and thanks largely to its long tradition of collaborating with civil society and non-governmental organizations with whom it shares its advocacies. And we are optimistic that with your feedback and recommendations today which we hope will continue on in the future, we can achieve much more and continue building on what we have started towards the implementation of the Cooperation Framework; one that encourages everyone to take part and leave no one behind. As a member of the UN Country Team, we invite all of you to embark on this journey with us and to continue working together as we strive to deliver much- needed solutions in the Philippines under the Cooperation Framework. Again, maraming salamat po and may we all be guided in our noble mission to bringing improvements to the lives of the people in the Philippines and leave no one behind. Magandang araw.

MANILA, 10 May 2023--The United Nations (UN) said on Monday it is targeting to have more public health-approach in handling the drug use problem in the Philippines. Under the Antipolo Declaration issued on 8 May 2023, the UN stated that its Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Human Rights Based-Approach to Drugs aims to achieve the following objectives: increase in the availability and voluntary access to a range of appropriate human rights-based and scientifically informed services that include health, social and developmental support for persons whose lives include drugs; increase the capacity to address cross-cutting issues in drug control, according to the Nelson Mandela Rules, Bangkok Rules, and Havana Rules among others; strengthen international cooperation on drug control based on the principle of common and shared responsibility and in line with international standards, strengthen joint action at national, regional and international levels to accelerate implementation of joint commitments to address the world drug problem; and develop and implement a communication strategy on human rights based-approach to drugs. UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez said that a "compassionate pragmatism" approach is more effective in addressing substance abuse. He said, "If we just remain with a pure enforcement approach, that stigmatizes and discriminates, we will remain in our comfort zones of a simplistic approach but we will fail in finding solutions." The text of Gonzalez's message follows: Today’s workshop is of major importance for three reasons: Number one, because it means a concrete step forward in considering substance use as a multisectoral issue and, particularly, as a public health challenge. In this sense, we welcome the recent statements by the President of the Republic at the Center for Strategic Studies in the United States, on the critical importance of a “holistic approach” to the drugs challenge. Number two, this unique workshop is important because it brings together those who contribute with technical and scientific knowledge, those who participate in decision-making, those who are confronted to the challenges of substance use at the local level, and those from the private sector, from civil society and the international cooperation are engaged in a human rights-based approach to drugs. Number three, this event is an important step in the implementation of Human Rights Council’s resolution 33/45 of October, 2020, on technical cooperation to the Philippines. My presence here is to confirm the commitment of the United Nations to be part of the solution -hand-in-hand with concerned partners- in addressing the human impact of the so-called war on drugs in the country. The title of today’s event is intriguing: it combines two words that sometimes are on the opposite sites:  “Compassionate” and “Pragmatism”. “Compassionate” means a genuine concern for others, it reflects a deep sense of care, of empathy, and of attention to others. To be compassionate, we start by recognizing we live in a diverse  society, where we bring different cultural backgrounds, ideologies, gender, values, among others. We frequently say that diversity is our strength, not our weakness. “Pragmatism”, on the other hand, centers on practical acts and beliefs. To be pragmatic means to find concrete and factual ways to translate ideas and goals into action. Pragmatism -in the context of today’s workshop- means finding solutions that are based on evidence, on facts and on the experience of people who are most involved in and affected by substance use. “Compassionate Pragmatism” is an evidence-based and people-centered framework to address substance use as a fundamental public health issue. And let me share with you an example of the importance of this approach that recognizes the specificity of each country: The Philippines has an alarming and rapidly increasing HIV and hepatitis C prevalence. This is considered a twin epidemic, among people who use drugs. Many countries, including South-East Asian Member States, have implemented comprehensive and evidence-based interventions based on the guidelines of UNODC, UNAIDS, and WHO that have shown tremendous positive results. If we just remain with a pure enforcement approach, that stigmatizes and discriminates, we will remain in our comfort zones of a simplistic approach but with the failure of not finding the solutions. Last month, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted  a resolution on drug policy and human rights. In this resolution, the Council recalled that efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to effectively address all aspects of the drug problem are complementary and mutually reinforcing, and that public health programmes should be available to all. This needs to be implemented without discrimination, including for individuals with drug use disorders, as well as in prisons and other custodial settings, It is crucial that we reflect and consider which responses will  work most effectively in the Philippines, particularly to prevent and address drug use disorders from a holistic perspective. And I go back to the recent statement of the President of the Republic (I quote) “We are looking at the problem as a whole … giving option to our young people so they are not tempted to indulge in these activities”. Today’s workshop is also implemented as part of the UN Joint Programme for Human Rights in the Philippines, which  is an important platform for crafting solutions to drug-related issues in the country. I thank our development partners, including the Australian Embassy, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, and the Global Fund for their support in this endeavor. I also commend the growing cooperation amongst the Philippine government, the Commission on Human Rights, and civil society on public health and human rights. Dear partners, let’s show the world how we, in the Philippines, can work with compassion and with pragmatism which respect human rights of all, including people who use drugs, to implement the most effective solutions. Thank you very much and welcome, once again.