As part of her advocacy in helping create a cleaner and more sustainable world, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay went to Melbourne, Australia to attend one of the world's premiere forums on climate change and promoting the use of clean energy in other cities and countries around the globe.

Binay was speaker at the Cities­ Power Partnership’s Climate Summit for Local Government which started on Sept. 6 and lasted for three days. The mayor delivered a keynote address to the session supported by the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCom) where she is also a board member and a representative of Southeast Asia.

Spearheaded by Australia's top officials and leaders, the Cities­ Power Partnership’s Climate Summit for Local Government has been regarded as one of the most important events in the country as all its mayors and members of their council attend the momentous event.

"Ang ibig sabihin nito ay mga key decision makers at thought leaders ang binibigyan ng pagkakataong magpalitan ng kani­lang mga ideya at suggestions para makagawa ng mas malalakas at mas epektibong programa sa climate action (This means key decision makers and thought leaders were given the chance to exchange ideas and suggestions for the conceptualization of stronger and more effective programs for climate action)," Binay explained.

The local chief executive said she spoke about “COP28 and the Opportunities for Cities” as part of her preparations for the upcoming 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties to be held from November to December in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). She stressed the significance of such conferences to countries committed to a sustainable, resilient, and climate-responsive future.

"Sa tuwing magkakaroon ng ganitong pagpupulong ay lagi at lagi kong ipinaaalala ang kahalagahan ng pagtutu­lungan at pag-alalay ng mga mas malalakas at maya­yamang bansa sa mas maliliit. Ang usaping climate action ay nanga­ngailangan ng masusing pagpaplano at karam­patang pondo. Mahirap­ isulong ang environmental strate­gies at programa kung iilan lamang ang gagalaw para dito (Every time I'm invited to forums like this, I always remind participants of the importance of unity and support of stronger and wealthier countries to smaller ones. Climate action involves scrupulous planning and adequate funding. It's difficult to promote environmental strategies and programs if others will not participate)," Binay said.

"Maraming lungsod naman ang may gustong matuto at magsimulang kumilos, ngunit hindi nila alam kung saan at paano magsisimula. At dito po tayo pumapasok bilang isang model city. Ang Makati ay isa sa mga tinitingalang lungsod pagdating sa climate mitigation programs at pagiging isang resilience hub. Malayo na ang ating narating sa pag-aaral, pagpaplano at pagpapatupad ng mga programa para labanan ang climate change. Sa harap ng mga kapwa lider ay inulit ko ang willingness ng Makati na umalalay sa ibang lungsod saang panig man ng mundo. Ano mang oras ay bukas ang ating lungsod para sa gustong magtanong o magsaliksik ng ating mga best practices at green initiatives (There are a lot of cities that wish to learn and start their own initiatives. However, they don't know how and where to start. This is where a model city comes in. Makati City is regarded as one of the cities others look up to in terms of climate mitigation programs and in being a resilience hub. We've already come a long way in the study, planning, and implementation of programs to fight climate change. In front of other leaders, I stressed Makati's willingness to assist other cities wherever they are around the globe.  Anytime, the city is open for anyone who wishes to ask or study our best practices and green initiatives)," she added.

The mayor said she wants to see other cities implementing their own climate initiatives such as transitioning to renewable energy resources, construction of green buildings, banning the use of single-use plastics, river cleanups, and implementation of effective solid waste management programs.

"Hindi perpekto ang Makati, pero napakarami nating aral na pwedeng ibahagi na kapupulutan ng aral ng ibang lungsod. Patuloy po akong kikilos para mas maunawaan ng ibang lider na tulad ko kung gaano ka-urgent ang krisis sa climate. Higit sa lahat, ipapaalala ko parati ang kahalagahan ng pagtutulungan at kooperasyon (Makati is not a perfect city, but we have a lot of studies that we could share to other cities. I will continue to do my part for other leaders like me to further understand the urgency to mitigate climate crisis and remind everyone of the importance of unity and cooperation)," Binay said.