President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday commended former United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for his continued advocacy and leadership in promoting climate resilience and sustainable development, particularly in countries vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as the Philippines.

During a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace in Manila, Marcos expressed appreciation for Ban’s steadfast commitment to sustainability, stressing that such efforts are crucial to strengthening the country’s resilience against natural disasters.

“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,” he told the former UN chief.

Ban thanked Marcos for the warm reception and expressed hope that the Philippines would swiftly recover from the devastation caused by recent back-to-back typhoons.

His visit to Manila followed the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan and Typhoon Tino, which brought widespread damage to parts of the Visayas and Luzon.

Ban on Monday joined the Trans-Pacific Sustainability Dialogue (TPSD) in Makati City, where he urged the international community to support climate-vulnerable nations, such as the Philippines, in rebuilding from increasingly destructive natural disasters.

The TPSD is a joint initiative of the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center at Stanford University and the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future, which aims to accelerate progress on the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

During their meeting in February 2024, Marcos welcomed the continued support of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), where Ban serves as president and chairperson of the council.

Ban reaffirmed the GGGI’s commitment to assist the Philippine government in implementing sustainable and climate-resilient development programs.

Joining the President during Tuesday’s meeting were 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.

Ban was accompanied by Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa, former Korean Ambassador to Australia and Jeju Peace Institute president Kim Bonghyun, and former Korean Permanent Representative to the UN Kim Sook. (PNA)