The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has invited President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to attend the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties (COP28) at the Expo City in Dubai in December as it reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting the Philippines' environmental programs.

COP28 (COP28 UAE/Facebook)

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Emirati Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Al-Zaabi extended the invitation during his courtesy visit to Marcos in Malacañang on Tuesday, June 13.

COP28 aims to "bring the world together" at a critical moment for global transformative climate action. This year, COP28 will prioritize efforts to accelerate emissions reductions through a pragmatic energy transition, reform land use, and transform food systems.

"The COP28 UAE Presidency will work to ensure that the world responds to the GST with a clear plan of action," its website read.

"We will work to mobilize solutions for vulnerable countries, operationalize loss and damage, and deliver the most inclusive Conference possible," Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, President-Designate for COP28 UAE, said.

Last week, the Philippines emphasized the need to transform the decisions of COP27 into tangible outcomes, citing the urgency for immediate and concrete actions to address the worsening climate crisis.

Meanwhile, the PCO said Ambassador Al-Zaabi was looking forward to the Philippines becoming a member of the “Global Mangrove Alliance” since it is prone to calamities and disasters and for managing abundant waterways.

In response, President Marcos agreed that joining the alliance would benefit the Philippines as he emphasized the government’s efforts to preserve and restore the mangrove ecosystem.

“We have made great efforts to preserve and restore our mangrove ecosystem. As a matter of fact, the law in the Philippines is, you cannot touch mangroves at all, and because of that, the mangroves have grown back,” Marcos said.

“In fact, they grow back so much that sometimes they are already beginning to block the rivers. So maybe there is much you can learn on the management of it because I think we have done as much as we can in terms of preservation,” he added.

Marcos also emphasized that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will be very pleased to participate in the Global Mangrove Alliance.

The Chief Executive also noted that he would want to study the structure of the alliance, what will be the commitment of the Philippines to the group, the commitment of other member countries, and how the group works.