A recent meeting convened by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies addressing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Conducted at Mabuhay Conference Room, 15th floor, UN House, Rockwell, Business Center Sheridan, Mandaluyong City, the gathering invited representatives from prominent institutions and engaged in dynamic discussions and forging collaborative solutions.
Among the attendees were distinguished figures such as Guillermo M. Luz, Chief Resilience Officer of PDRF, Dr. Marlon Era from SDRC-DLSU Research Fellows, and Dr. Charlotte Kundro Gotangan-Gonzales, Director at Ateneo. Notably, representing the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI) was Jose Abraham Ongkiko, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Institution Building Division.
The meeting spotlighted Reena Ghelani’s pivotal role in addressing climate crises, focusing on innovative approaches like insurance risk assessment and the implementation of accelerated measures to mitigate risks. UPRI, in particular, showcased its initiatives ranging from probabilistic risk assessment methodologies to the widespread adoption of the NOAH platform by local government units (LGUs), as reported by a UNDP study. Emphasizing collaboration with LGUs and UPRI’s role as the lead secretariat of PASCDR, discussions underscored the establishment of expertise-based hubs across UP Constituent Campuses.
PDRF also presented its T3 approach for COVID-19 management and discussed migration patterns, food systems, and their vital role in disaster response and communication. Delving into the complexities of slow-onset disasters and complex emergencies, participants advocated for a multi-hazard, transdisciplinary, and multisectoral approach to comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).
Partnerships and research took center stage, with Dr. Charlotte Kundro-Gontangan emphasizing the importance of action research partnerships and leveraging indigenous knowledge systems. Effective communication strategies and scalable solutions tailored to diverse community needs emerged as critical themes throughout the discussions.
Feedback from participants lauded the meeting as fruitful, with a focus on actionable initiatives addressing climate change effects on vulnerable communities. Moving forward, dialogue and collaboration will be intensified to translate discussions into tangible outcomes, prioritizing continuous stakeholder engagement and intensified research efforts.
In conclusion, the meeting served as a testament to the power of collaboration in tackling the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. Through strategic partnerships and collective action, stakeholders remain steadfast in their commitment to building resilient and sustainable communities, safeguarding the well-being of present and future generations.