By Connie B. Destura
LEGAZPI CITY, (PNA) — Albay Governor Joey Salceda was elected as Chairman of the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the first Asian to chair such prestigious body, during its fifth meeting held in Paris on Oct. 7-10.
In an email to the Philippines News Agency on Friday, Salceda said he had the unanimous support of representatives from developing countries.
Established by the conference of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 2011, the GCF aims to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Salceda said the 24-member GCF board oversees the operation of the Fund, which has pledges of US$ 100 billion by 2020, and approves the funding of projects in line with the Fund’s principles, criteria, modalities, policies and programs.
In pitching for his candidacy, Salceda, who is also the Regional Development Council chair for Bicol, said the Fund should prompt positive consequences in the lives of ordinary people.
With 2014 as the target for the operationalization of the Fund, the green economist and world-renowned investment consultant aims to make the Fund work for developing countries, including small islands developing states, least developed countries, Africa and highly vulnerable communities in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia and Bangladesh.
Salceda’s election is a strong expression of confidence on the Philippines and further raises the country’s profile in the international community.