The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), the world’s biggest alliance for city climate leadership with more than 10,500 member cities and local governments, has appointed Makati City Mayor Abby Binay as one of its board members on Sunday, June 27.
Binay shared the good news as she is set to represent over 80 cities in the GCoM Mayoral Board, which is co-chaired by UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, founder of charitable organization Bloomberg Philanthropies and software company Bloomberg L.P., and former New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and European Commission Executive Vice President for the European Green Deal Frans Timmermans.
Binay was chosen for the post after implementing sustainable development efforts in Makati City to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, restore rivers and creeks, prevent the use of plastic bags in households and establishments, and preserve green spaces.
“It is a great honor to be selected as one of the board members of GCoM. I look forward to being a champion for mayors in Southeast Asia and around the world as we work together to implement actionable solutions for a more resilient and sustainable future,” Binay said.
As part of her vow in meeting the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCC) Race to Resilience campaign, Binay is set to launch the Cities Race to Resilience campaign at the Asia Pacific Climate Week on July 8 to encourage cities to join the global movement and commit to undertaking risk and vulnerability assessments.
The Race to Resilience campaign aims to help communities build resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change like extreme heat, drought, flooding, and sea-level rise.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg welcomed Binay to the board and believed that she will be an important asset in tackling climate change issue in Southeast Asia.
“We’re glad to welcome Mayor Binay to the board of the Global Covenant of Mayors. Cities play a central role in confronting climate change, and Mayor Abby will provide an important perspective, especially as Southeast Asia faces severe risks. Together, we will help lead the charge on city climate action,” said Bloomberg.
Timmermans, for his part, also congratulated the Makati mayor on her appointment and lauded her for being a strong advocate for climate action in Southeast Asia.
“Mayor Binay is a strong advocate for climate action in Southeast Asia and we warmly welcome her to the Global Covenant Board," said Timmermans. “Cities are at the forefront of the fight against the climate crisis, and drive many of the changes we need to succeed in our green transition. I congratulate Mayor Binay on her appointment and look forward to working together."
GCoM is a coalition that represents 900 million people in 142 countries or more than 10% of the global population. The cities and partners of GCoM share a long-term vision of supporting voluntary action to combat climate change.