United Nations Office for the Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) head Kamal Kishore has praised President Marcos for his commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change, saying his dedication to the cause inspires leaders worldwide.

Kishore, who also serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, said this following the Philippines' successful hosting of the Asia-Pacific Minister Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) last week.

During the event's closing ceremony on Friday, Oct. 18. the UN official commended President Marcos for his "personal involvement and commitment" to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction initiatives.

"You’ve set a new benchmark for the Asian Ministerial Conferences on Disaster Risk Reduction," he told Marcos.

"Your commitment is an inspiring example for leaders across the world," he added.

It was the first time the Philippines hosted the APMCDRR in Pasay City from Oct. 14 to 18. The conference was previously held in China, India, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Mongolia, and Australia.

To show his support for the conference, the President hosted a dinner for the delegates in Malacañan and attended its opening ceremony last Oct. 15.

The APMCDRR is the main platform in Asia and the Pacific to promote coordination and cooperation on disaster risk reduction and to monitor, review, and enhance cooperation to implement the Sendai Framework 2015-2030 at the regional level.

It is a biennial conference that convenes governments, international and national institutions, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to collectively address challenges and reduce disaster risks.

With the theme “Surge to 2030: Enhancing ambition in Asia-Pacific to accelerate DRR,” the conference focused on sharing lessons learned, identifying innovative ideas and practices to reduce systemic risk and cascading impacts, identifying practical financing opportunities for countries to reduce disaster and building resilience, and advancing climate and disaster resilience, risk-informed development and humanitarian response preparedness.