Moving forward with purpose: Reflections on SB60

In a world grappling with the urgent realities of climate change, the recent deliberations at the 60th Sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB60) in Bonn, Germany stood as a crucial moment for global cooperation. The Philippines, aligned with the G77, articulated the shared goals and ambitions of developing nations — a meaningful step toward realizing the promises laid out in previous climate agreements.

The Philippines’ statement encapsulated both hope and frustration. It underscored incremental progress made in certain areas, such as agriculture and food security, and highlighted the critical need for concrete actions moving forward. However, it also laid bare persistent challenges that have plagued these international forums: procedural deadlock, delayed mandates, and insufficient commitment from developed nations to fulfill their obligations.

At the heart of the matter lies the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capacities, a cornerstone of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. This principle recognizes the varying roles and capabilities of nations and parties in addressing climate change, emphasizing that developed nations bear a greater burden and responsibility due to their historical emissions and economic capacities. The call for developed countries to fulfill their commitments of financial assistance, technology transfer, and capacity building resonated loudly in the Philippines’ message — an urging echoed by many vulnerable and developing nations.

The closing statement of the Philippines was one of urgency and pragmatism. It acknowledged the incremental gains achieved in Bonn and the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, but demanded more substantial outcomes in future negotiations. This sentiment is not unique to our nation but reflects a global sentiment among those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. For nations like the Philippines, where communities are already experiencing the ravages of extreme weather events and rising sea levels, action must come sooner rather than later.

The Philippines’ call for decisive action in key areas serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for tangible progress in addressing climate change.

Implementation and Accountability stood at the forefront of the Philippines’ concerns. The transition from discussions to actionable plans in critical sectors like agriculture and adaptation measures was deemed paramount. The Philippines stressed that promises made within international forums must translate into tangible support on the ground. This approach enhances resilience and promotes sustainable development, which are crucial to safeguard vulnerable communities against the escalating impacts of climate change.

Central to the Philippines’ argument and advocacy was the issue of Financial Commitments. The necessity for developed nations to uphold their financial pledges and for the actual disbursement of funds dedicated to adaptation and mitigation efforts, were emphasized. The call for a robust financial mechanism supporting nationally determined contributions (NDCs) underscored the need for equity in global climate action, leveling the playing field and ensuring that developing countries can adequately respond to climate challenges.

Just Transition and its implications on social impacts resonated deeply in the Philippines’ statement. The importance of a transition to low-carbon economies that consider the social and economic consequences for vulnerable communities cannot be stressed enough. Ensuring that no one is left behind is pivotal as economies evolve, particularly for those whose livelihoods are intricately tied to industries undergoing transformation due to climate policies.

Looking forward to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Philippines highlighted the critical need for substantive, Operational Frameworks and Programs, where the urgency of translating discussions into concrete actions that deliver real-world impact was underscored. This includes operationalizing mechanisms such as Loss and Damage frameworks and accelerating the implementation of gender-responsive climate actions. These frameworks are essential to ensure accountability and effectiveness in global climate efforts.

The firm statement served as a reminder that the international community must reaffirm its commitment to support the most vulnerable populations, who bear the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions. It underscored the moral imperative for and the legal obligations of developed nations to uphold their commitments and lead not just in rhetoric but in substantive actions that foster hope and assurance among those most affected.

The Philippines’ closing statement offers both critique and a call to action. It reminds us that while progress has been made, the journey towards effective climate action is far from over. As we move forward from SB60 toward COP29, it is imperative that all nations, particularly developed countries, uphold their commitments with sincerity and urgency. The choices made today will determine the fate of generations to come — our responsibility to future generations and to the planet must guide every decision we make. There is no other direction but forward, and there is no other way but to work together.