Belmonte joins UN assembly on environment

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte underscored the importance of a “multilevel” approach to address climate change during the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi, Kenya on Feb. 26.

Belmonte, who was chosen as summit rapporteur of cities and regions, represented hundreds of local leaders to discuss their concerns and propositions on issues related to the environment.

In her statement, Belmonte stressed the role of cities as “initiators of impactful climate initiatives.”

She said national governments should work closely with their local counterparts to help scale up solutions and benefit more people.

“United action at all levels of government and society is vital to achieving a green, sustainable and livable future for all,” she said.

Belmonte, who touted some of Quezon City’s innovative solutions on environment, also pushed for the involvement of subnation governments in implementing Multilateral Environmental Agreements.

Last year, Belmonte was hailed as the UN Environment Program’s Champion of the Earth for policy leadership.