Marcos lauds Ban Ki-moon’s climate resilience advocacy

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday welcomed former United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and lauded the latter’s push for climate resilience and sustainability. 

During their meeting in Malacañang, Marcos expressed his appreciation for Ban’s continued leadership in promoting resilience and sustainability, especially in countries vulnerable to climate change like the Philippines.

“I am glad that you continue this very important work…. What you are doing — sustainability — is key to the survival of my country, considering we are so vulnerable to the effects of climate change,” the President said.

Ban thanked Marcos for the warm reception and conveyed his hope that the Philippines will soon recover from the devastation caused by recent typhoons.

Ban’s visit to Manila came in the wake of Super Typhoon Uwan and Typhoon Tino, which battered provinces across the country.

On Monday, the former UN chief participated in a dialogue at the Trans-Pacific Sustainability Dialogue (TPSD) where he urged the international community to extend support to the Philippines and other climate-vulnerable nations in recovering from increasingly destructive natural disasters.

The President and Ban last met in February 2024 when Marcos welcomed the continued support of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), where Ban serves as President and Chairman of the Council.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Almojuela joined Marcos in his meeting with Ban.

Meanwhile, Ban was joined by Lee Sang-hwa, Republic of Korea’s ambassador to the Philippines, former Korean ambassador to Australia and former Jeju Peace Institute president Kim Bonghyun, and former ambassador and permanent representative of the Republic of Korea to the UN Kim Sook. — JMA, GMA Integrated News