00:00I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you as we gather here in Manila for the
00:052024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.
00:12It is an honor for the Philippines to host this gathering of experts, scientists, policymakers,
00:18practitioners, bound together by a common purpose.
00:22For many years, the Philippines has stood on the front line of the climate crisis.
00:28Our geographical location exposes us to hazards such as typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, and
00:34volcanic eruptions.
00:36Each of these challenges has tested the resilience of every Filipino and the strength of our
00:42spirit as a nation, as of course it has done to your countries as well.
00:50Yet it is through these very trials that we have become more resolute and resolved in
00:56advancing data-driven and sustainable solutions to protect the well-being of all our people.
01:02This conference comes at a time when our work to implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster
01:07Risk Reduction is more urgent than ever.
01:11Here we can learn from each other, strengthen partnerships, identify innovative ideas, and
01:17adopt best practices.
01:19Our vision is clear.
01:21To reduce disaster risks and losses, and in doing so, protect lives, livelihoods, and
01:26the social and economic assets that underpin our societies.
01:32At the heart of our efforts, all our efforts, is climate change, an issue that we have integrated
01:38in our national and regional policies.
01:42From investment strategies to policy implementation, disaster risk reduction and climate change
01:48adaptation and mitigation are now central to how we shape our future.
01:54I think it would not be an exaggeration to say that amongst the government workers, whenever
02:03there is a discussion or a planning session, there is no longer even a single conversation
02:10that we have that does not include an aspect of adaptation, mitigation, to climate change.
02:18That is how primordial it has become in our everyday lives.
02:23However, the increasing frequency and severity of national hazards call for deeper innovation,
02:30for closer cooperation, and for sustained commitment from all of us.
02:35Through this conference, we are presented with the opportunity to explore new avenues
02:40of collaboration, especially in leveraging science and technology to alleviate the impact
02:46of climate change and ensuring that disaster risk reduction financing is accessible to
02:51all.
02:53By harmonizing all of our efforts, I trust we can build an Asia-Pacific region that is
02:59truly adaptive, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
03:04To the future that we are shaping through this conference, I invite you, everyone, to
03:08join me for a toast.
03:11In pursuit of mitigating disasters where nations rise above the adversity, here is
03:18to best practices and the lasting and deeper friendship among our country and our people
03:24towards a sustainable future where no one is left behind.
03:29Cheers.
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03:42Cheers.
03:43Cheers.
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