Marcos eyes COP28 in Dubai; PH seeks climate action
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said he wants to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai this December, as climate change is a vital issue for the Philippines.
*Emirati Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Al-Zaabi and President Marcos (Malacañang photo/COP28 UAE/Facebook)*
Marcos said this after United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Al-Zaabi [invited](https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/14/uae-invites-marcos-to-cop-28-in-dubai-renews-commitment-to-ph-environment) him to attend the annual conference at the Expo City, Dubai, later this year. In an interview with reporters, the President expressed his interest to attend the event, citing its importance to the country. "The ambassador came to see me beforehand, the day before, and we were talking about precisely COP28. I hope to be able to attend because climate change is a primordial issue when it comes to the Philippines," he said. "Beyond the Conference of Parties is that we also want to renew our ties with the UAE," he added. COP28 aims to "[bring the world together](https://www.cop28.com/en/cop28-presidency)" 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. Last week, [the Philippines emphasized the need to transform the decisions of COP27 into tangible outcomes](https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/10/ph-calls-for-tangible-measures-vs-climate-change), citing the urgency for immediate and concrete actions to address the worsening climate crisis. Meanwhile, President Marcos said another reason why he wanted to go to Dubai was to thank the government of UAE for being a gracious host to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). "Ang daming Filipino doon kaya kailangan makatiyak tayo na patuloy ang kanilang magandang pagtrato sa ating mga kababayan sa UAE (There are many Filipinos at the UAE so we have to ensure that they are continuously treating them well)," he said. "They (Emiratis) have been -- they have been very welcoming, they have treated our people very well, they have protected them, and they have allowed them to make a living in the United Arab Emirates. So that's something that we hope to continue and even progress further," he added.
*Emirati Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Al-Zaabi and President Marcos (Malacañang photo/COP28 UAE/Facebook)*
Marcos said this after United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Al-Zaabi [invited](https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/14/uae-invites-marcos-to-cop-28-in-dubai-renews-commitment-to-ph-environment) him to attend the annual conference at the Expo City, Dubai, later this year. In an interview with reporters, the President expressed his interest to attend the event, citing its importance to the country. "The ambassador came to see me beforehand, the day before, and we were talking about precisely COP28. I hope to be able to attend because climate change is a primordial issue when it comes to the Philippines," he said. "Beyond the Conference of Parties is that we also want to renew our ties with the UAE," he added. COP28 aims to "[bring the world together](https://www.cop28.com/en/cop28-presidency)" 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. Last week, [the Philippines emphasized the need to transform the decisions of COP27 into tangible outcomes](https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/10/ph-calls-for-tangible-measures-vs-climate-change), citing the urgency for immediate and concrete actions to address the worsening climate crisis. Meanwhile, President Marcos said another reason why he wanted to go to Dubai was to thank the government of UAE for being a gracious host to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). "Ang daming Filipino doon kaya kailangan makatiyak tayo na patuloy ang kanilang magandang pagtrato sa ating mga kababayan sa UAE (There are many Filipinos at the UAE so we have to ensure that they are continuously treating them well)," he said. "They (Emiratis) have been -- they have been very welcoming, they have treated our people very well, they have protected them, and they have allowed them to make a living in the United Arab Emirates. So that's something that we hope to continue and even progress further," he added.