The Philippines and New Zealand have made a joint declaration, where they commit to develop a climate cooperation network in a bid to address shared challenges of climate change.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga and New Zealand Minister of Climate Change Simon Watts signed the declaration that has set an 18-month timetable to formalize the cooperation framework for enhancing the partnership on climate change.

It will focus on innovation, cooperation and sustainable development.

The two countries will pursue the declaeation in a cross-cutting way, including conducting information exchange, encouraging business to business contacts, fostering research, development and deployment of renewable energy and zero emissions transport technologies and sustainable agricultural practices.

New Zealand Ambassador to Manila Catherine McIntosh said it was a pleasure to be present during Loyzaga’s signing of the declaration as it is an “important next step in the cooperative relationship between New Zealand and the Philippines as our countries look to work together on a vital global issue.”

“Both of our countries are committed to the Paris Agreement and share ambitions to build climate-resilient communities while accelerating the transition to a low-emissions economy,” she said.

 “Greater cooperation will be an opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences as we address the shared challenge of climate change,” she added.