Building on the achievements of 2024, the dialogue focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in five key areas: science, innovation, localization, resilience, and finance.
Both countries agreed to enhance efforts in mobilizing private capital, supporting nature-based solutions, and strengthening local climate adaptation strategies.
Key achievements, new commitments
In 2024, the UK supported the operationalization of the Philippines’ National Adaptation Plan, enabled investments in renewable energy through the Philippine Stock Exchange, and funded civil society projects on biodiversity, plastic pollution, and coastal livelihoods. Multi-stakeholder platforms were launched to promote blue carbon and combat marine pollution.
The UK and the Philippines agreed to establish a UK-led development partners coordination group to localize climate analytics in provinces most at risk, based on the National Adaptation Plan and Risk Resiliency Program.
This will begin in Negros Occidental, where findings will inform an investment platform to fund climate-smart agriculture, water management innovations, and agroforestry.
The UK also committed to ramping up support for the blue economy through its Blue Planet Fund, with the COAST (Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition) programme set to roll out in 2025.
The initiative aims to strengthen marine protected areas, promote sustainable fisheries, and advance blue carbon initiatives.
Partnership for biodiversity, sustainable finance
A new UK-DENR partnership mechanism will promote biodiversity and nature grants to local governments and communities, ensuring conservation efforts also deliver long-term economic benefits for resource-dependent populations.
Both countries also agreed to expand collaboration on climate finance, aligning strategies with climate risk assessments to build investment-ready portfolios for sustainable development.
Ambassador Beaufils emphasized, “We are ambitious for the future and will continue delivering tangible results in adaptation, finance, and clean energy.”
Secretary Loyzaga highlighted the importance of their enhanced partnership and regular biannual reviews to adapt to geopolitical uncertainties.
The dialogue concluded with the signing of a renewed partnership statement, affirming the UK’s continued support for climate-vulnerable nations like the Philippines through expertise, financing, and global advocacy. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
