Latest news with #NDC3.0
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
UNICEF calls for climate-resilient schools in PH
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara are ushered inside a classroom by a teacher at Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School in Malate, Manila on Monday, June 16, 2025. DARLENE CAY/GMA Integrated News UNICEF Philippines is calling on the government to prioritize the development of climate-resilient schools in the country as students return to school during the rainy season. UNICEF made the appeal ahead of the country's submission of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) — the Philippines' updated climate action plan under the Paris Agreement — to be presented at the upcoming COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil. The organization urges the government to ensure the new NDCs are 'child-sensitive,' with concrete commitments to protect children's right to continuous, quality education amid worsening climate threats. 'The climate crisis is not just changing the planet, it is changing children,' said Behzad Noubary, UNICEF Philippines Representative Ad Interim. "Climate-related class disruptions deprive them of opportunities to develop the necessary foundational and socioemotional skills to thrive in the future,' added Noubary. The World Risk Index has ranked the Philippines as the country with the highest disaster risk for three years in a row. Meanwhile, a UNICEF study places the Philippines as the second most climate-vulnerable country for children in East Asia and the Pacific. According to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), students in disaster-prone areas lose up to a month's worth of school days each year due to weather-related disruptions. The same report found that the Department of Education (DepEd) incurs nearly ?18 billion in annual losses due to damage from natural hazards. Floods, typhoons, and earthquakes routinely damage classrooms, destroy learning materials, and restrict student access, especially in remote areas where transport infrastructure is also compromised. Climate goals UNICEF stressed that schools can play a vital role in both climate adaptation and mitigation. 'Children cannot afford to wait. If we want to secure their future, we must act now. We need to transform climate goals into reality for children,' Noubary emphasized. UNICEF is already working with school communities across the country to develop resilience through training, resources, and localized emergency preparedness protocols. It is also promoting inclusive and participatory climate action in schools, empowering students to advocate for their own rights and for the protection of their learning environments. The organization is also pushing for climate investments that allow schools to better anticipate, absorb, and adapt to disasters — whether through stronger buildings, remote learning solutions, or climate education. 'We have a responsibility to ensure that every child — no matter where they live — can go to school safely, learn without interruption, and prepare for a future shaped by the climate crisis,' Noubary said. As the government finalizes its climate roadmap for the next decade, UNICEF's message is clear: quality education must not be a casualty of the climate emergency. Ensuring that children learn in safe, inclusive, and resilient environments is not just an environmental goal — it is a moral and developmental imperative. UNICEF is the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of every child, especially those most vulnerable. Working in over 190 countries and territories, UNICEF strives to help children survive, thrive, and reach their full potential, no matter the challenges. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
The Star
04-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Cambodia hosts youth conference on climate change
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia on Tuesday (June 4) hosted the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) 2025 on climate change, offering young people an opportunity to help shape documents and share their vision for the kingdom's climate future. Held in Phnom Penh, the conference brought together more than 250 young climate leaders, government officials, policymakers, and development partners. It amplified youth voices in Cambodia's climate agenda and shaped the country's future commitments under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0. Chuop Paris, a secretary of state of Cambodia's Ministry of Environment, said at the event that the government will submit its updated NDC3.0 in July 2025, aiming for greater ambition, acceleration and inclusivity to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions. The youth's contributions will be included in the official youth statement to the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and reflected in the global youth statement ahead of COP30 in Brazil. "The voices of young people are essential in shaping a resilient and sustainable future for Cambodia," Paris said. "This conference is more than a platform for dialogue, it empowers youth to actively contribute meaningfully to our national climate agenda," he said. "As we work toward updating NDC 3.0, the ideas and energy of young Cambodians will play a central role in crafting inclusive and impactful climate solutions that safeguard our future." According to Cambodia's Children's Climate Risk Index 2024, nearly two million children, more than one-third of the country's youth, live in areas of high or very high climate risk, particularly in rural areas. The effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, increased floods, droughts, and erratic weather patterns, are already impacting education, health, and livelihoods. "The climate crisis is a child rights crisis. With nearly two-thirds of Cambodia's population under the age of 30, youth leadership must be embedded at every level of climate governance," said Anirban Chatterjee, deputy representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) to Cambodia. "Children and young people may not have caused the climate crisis, but they are among the first to feel its effects," he said. - Xinhua
The Star
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Gender equality and climate action: Cambodia's Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0 vision for a resilient future
PHNOM PENH: With global concerns around climate change intensifying, Cambodia's approach reflects a commitment to addressing the climate crisis in a way that is inclusive, sustainable, and equitable for all, especially women. The Cambodian government, in collaboration with international partners, highlighted the crucial intersection of gender equality and climate action as the nation prepares its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0, in a dialogue on Friday (April 25) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Phnom Penh. The dialogue, aimed at integrating gender considerations into Cambodia's climate action plans, included contributions from key government officials, as well as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is a major partner in supporting gender-responsive climate initiatives. With Cambodia nearing the completion of NDC 2.0, the event provided a platform for discussions on how gender equality could be seamlessly integrated into the formulation of NDC 3.0, a crucial policy document that will be submitted to the UN Secretariat later this year. The dialogue included contributions from key government officials, as well as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), a major partner in supporting gender-responsive climate initiatives. - Photo: The Phnom Penh Post/ ANN Eang Sophallet, Minister of Environment, opened the event by reflecting on the success of the NDC 2.0, a climate action plan running from 2020 to 2025. 'We have included actions aimed at reducing vulnerability, adapting to climate change, and preventing its impacts,' he said. 'In line with our ambitious goals, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44.7 per cent through 190 actions. We have achieved 166 out of 190 actions, or 87 per cent,' he added. Sophallet also noted that the formulation of NDC 3.0 comes at a crucial time, marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The new plan, which will cover the period from 2025 onwards, will continue Cambodia's ambitious climate targets. He outlined the six key sectors to guide the formulation of NDC 3.0: industry, energy, agriculture, forestry, chemicals and waste. 'We have a few months left to submit NDC 3.0 to the UN Secretariat in Brazil,' he said. 'I encourage all stakeholders to engage in this dialogue and contribute ideas to comprehensively address the global climate crisis,' he added. Women's affairs minister Kantha Phavi spoke passionately about the importance of equity in addressing the climate crisis. - Photo: The Phnom Penh Post/ ANN Gender and climate change: A dual challenge A key theme of the dialogue was the gendered impact of climate change. Minister of Women's Affairs Ing Kantha Phavi spoke passionately about the importance of equity in addressing the climate crisis. She emphasised that while climate change affects everyone, its impacts are felt differently by men and women, with women often bearing the brunt of the consequences. According to a report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), she continued, extreme heat impacts domestic work, leading to health issues such as dehydration. Women, who traditionally take on nurturing, caregiving and educational roles, are especially affected. 'The burden of caring for grandparents and parents living in the same roof, along with increased housework, is growing for women. This also affects labour productivity, as women are forced to focus more on household chores,' Phavi noted. The informal economy, which is largely outdoor-based, is heavily impacted by high temperatures. This, in turn, affects 80 per cent of the formal economy workforce across the nation, with 58 per cent of workers feeling the strain. Heat also impacts women's health, particularly their reproductive roles and overall quality of life. 'Moreover, rising temperatures are linked to increased irritability, which can lead to both physical and sexual violence against women,' Phavi warned. Jyotsana Varma delivering her speech. - Photo: The Phnom Penh Post/ ANN Women as agents of change in climate solutions While the dialogue focused on the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women, Jyotsana Varma, ADB country director for Cambodia, reminded attendees that women are not just victims of climate change; they are also powerful agents of change. 'Women play a critical role in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts,' she said. 'It is essential to empower them as leaders in the transition to a climate-resilient future,' she continued. Varma outlined several initiatives where ADB is working to support women's participation in climate solutions. She said its impacts – from devastating floods and droughts to shifts in agricultural patterns – disproportionately affect women and girls, often magnifying existing inequalities linked to poverty, ethnicity, disability and location. 'These impacts translate into tangible burdens: threats to livelihoods, increased unpaid care work and heightened vulnerability during climate-related disasters,' she said. In sustainable marine fisheries, for example, ADB's projects are helping women who are dominant in post-harvest processing and sales by promoting climate-resilient aquaculture techniques and improving market access. ADB is also promoting women's participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, recognizing that expertise in these areas is vital for designing and implementing green technologies. In Cambodia's energy transition, Varma highlighted ADB's efforts to ensure women are not just beneficiaries of renewable energy projects, but also active participants and leaders in the sector. 'Today's dialogue is a vital platform. It brings together the key sectors and partners – the NDC stakeholders – to collaboratively identify, prioritise and propose concrete strategies for mainstreaming gender into NDC sectors,' said Varma. 'Our work in Cambodia is centered around building a future where women are not left behind, but are central to the green economy,' she added. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Trade Arabia
17-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Emsteel plans comprehensive decarbonisation strategy
Emsteel, one of the GCC region's largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturers, today unveiled its ambitious decarbonisation strategy. The company aims to achieve a 40% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its Steel Business Unit and a 30% reduction in its Cement Business Unit by 2030, using 2019 as the baseline year, with the ultimate goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. This strategy underscores Emsteel's commitment to sustainable manufacturing and aligns with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the UAE's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), and the Paris Agreement. EMSTEEL is dedicated to driving industrial decarbonization in line with the UAE's goal of a 27% reduction in industrial emissions by 2035 from 2019 levels, the company said. To achieve a significant reduction in its CO₂ footprint, the group will focus on implementing key decarbonisation strategies, including enhancing energy efficiency, incorporating advanced process optimisation technologies and utilising alternative fuels and raw materials in steel and cement production. Additionally, it is also expected to accelerate the use of clean and renewable energy to cover 100% of electricity demand by 2030. Eng Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO – Emsteel, said: 'Emsteel is committed to leading the transformation of the construction and manufacturing sectors through sustainable practices. Our decarbonization strategy not only aligns with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 goals, but also positions EMSTEEL as a global leader in low-carbon steel and cement production. Through innovation, investment, and collaboration, we are building a more sustainable future for our industry and our planet.' The steel and cement industries are among the most carbon-intensive sectors globally, generating a substantial share of GHG emissions. Acknowledging both the challenges and the significant social and economic benefits of successful decarbonization, Emsteel is committed to significantly reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in the coming years. The group has already made substantial progress in reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, as well as emissions intensity during 2019 and 2023. As of 2023 Emsteel's total Scope 1 and 2 emissions stood at 4.5 million tonnes of CO₂, which is 23% below the baseline year of 2019, it said. The above achievements have been driven by advancements in energy efficiency, the implementation of carbon capture technologies, and the integration of clean and renewable energy solutions. Additionally, the group continues pioneering critical decarbonization technologies and has recently launched a groundbreaking pilot green hydrogen project—the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa—in collaboration with Masdar. This initiative leverages green hydrogen to extract iron from iron ore, marking a significant milestone in the region's journey toward sustainable steel production. In September 2024, the Emsteel was appointed as Co-Chair of the Alliance for Industry Decarbonisation (AFID) led by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena). Emsteel was also recognised as the 2024 Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association for its pioneering efforts in decarbonising steel production. The World Economic Forum recognised Emsteel for its outstanding efforts in decarbonising the iron and steel industry, placing it among the top five leading steel companies worldwide that have received this recognition. Finally, at the 'Make it in the Emirates Awards 2024', the group's contributions to the UAE's industrial sector were recognised with the Best Sustainable Manufacturing Award and the ICV Excellence Award. -
Zawya
17-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EMSTEEL announces comprehensive decarbonization strategy, aligned with the UAE's net-zero by 2050 strategic initiative
Abu Dhabi, UAE: EMSTEEL ('The Group', one of the GCC region's largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturers, today unveiled its ambitious decarbonization strategy. The company aims to achieve a 40% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its Steel Business Unit and a 30% reduction in its Cement Business Unit by 2030, using 2019 as the baseline year, with the ultimate goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. This strategy underscores EMSTEEL's commitment to sustainable manufacturing and aligns with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the UAE's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), and the Paris Agreement. EMSTEEL is dedicated to driving industrial decarbonization in line with the UAE's goal of a 27% reduction in industrial emissions by 2035 from 2019 levels. To achieve a significant reduction in its CO₂ footprint, the Group will focus on implementing key decarbonization strategies, including enhancing energy efficiency, incorporating advanced process optimization technologies and utilizing alternative fuels and raw materials in steel and cement production. Additionally, it is also expected to accelerate the use of clean and renewable energy to cover 100% of electricity demand by 2030. Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO – EMSTEEL, said: 'EMSTEEL is committed to leading the transformation of the construction and manufacturing sectors through sustainable practices. Our decarbonization strategy not only aligns with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 goals, but also positions EMSTEEL as a global leader in low-carbon steel and cement production. Through innovation, investment, and collaboration, we are building a more sustainable future for our industry and our planet.' The steel and cement industries are among the most carbon-intensive sectors globally, generating a substantial share of GHG emissions. Acknowledging both the challenges and the significant social and economic benefits of successful decarbonization, EMSTEEL is committed to significantly reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in the coming years. The Group has already made substantial progress in reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, as well as emissions intensity during 2019 and 2023. As of 2023 EMSTEEL's total Scope 1 and 2 emissions stood at 4.5 million tonnes of CO₂, which is 23% below the baseline year of 2019. The above achievements have been driven by advancements in energy efficiency, the implementation of carbon capture technologies, and the integration of clean and renewable energy solutions. Additionally, the Group continues pioneering critical decarbonization technologies and has recently launched a groundbreaking pilot green hydrogen project—the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa—in collaboration with Masdar. This initiative leverages green hydrogen to extract iron from iron ore, marking a significant milestone in the region's journey toward sustainable steel production. In September 2024, the EMSTEEL was appointed as Co-Chair of the Alliance for Industry Decarbonisation (AFID) led by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). EMSTEEL was also recognised as the 2024 Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association for its pioneering efforts in decarbonising steel production. The World Economic Forum recognised EMSTEEL for its outstanding efforts in decarbonising the iron and steel industry, placing it among the top five leading steel companies worldwide that have received this recognition. Finally, at the 'Make it in the Emirates Awards 2024', the Group's contributions to the UAE's industrial sector were recognised with the Best Sustainable Manufacturing Award and the ICV Excellence Award. About EMSTEEL EMSTEEL is a public joint stock company (ADX: EMSTEEL) and the UAE's largest steel and building materials manufacturer. The Group leverages cutting-edge technologies to supply both the local market and over 70 international markets with high-quality finished products, creating a one-stop shop for the manufacturing and construction sectors. EMSTEEL is committed to contributing to the UAE's industrial strategy 'Operation 300 billion' by delivering market-leading products to support local industries, creating job opportunities for UAE Nationals, and enhancing its sustainable practices. The Group is a global leader in low-carbon steel production and is aligned with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, EMSTEEL operates 16 state-of-the-art plants, with a production capacity of 3.5 million tonnes of steel and 4.6 million tonnes of cement annually, fueling the nation's most iconic projects. EMSTEEL is majority owned by ADQ, one of the region's largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi's diversified economy. For more information, please visit our website:
