24 August 2023, Seoul. Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega attended the fifth Meeting of the Group of Friends of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and joined the group in welcoming its new Executive Director Mafalda Duarte.

Ambassador De Vega highlighted the Philippines' climate action commitments to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 75% within the current decade. She likewise reaffirmed the Philippine commitment to being an active member of the GCF where the Philippines currently serves as an Alternate Board Member. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega further welcomed the high-level agreements reached at the last GCF board meeting and expressed hope that the High-Level GCF Pledging Session to be held in Bonn, Germany in October would contribute to the realization of GCF's Strategic Plan and be reflective of renewed commitment to greater access for climate funding.

The meeting was chaired by Pakistan Ambassador Nabeel Munir who recalled the urgency to act collectively in the face of the climate crisis and to support the most vulnerable communities in the Global South. The US as Co-Chair represented by Deputy Chief of Mission Joy Sakurai joined the Chair in acknowledging the strides made by GCF and the finalization of the latest Strategic Plan. Executive Director Duarte likewise shared her priorities for the next period emphasizing her dedication to streamlining access to ensure climate finance reaches those on the frontlines suffering from the impact of the climate crisis. END