Maybe just to close the discussion today and I thank very much Atty. Mark and to Ambassador Leila Laura Santos there in Korea.

I’d just like to say that we wish to reaffirm the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to supporting the mission of this particular fund. It is absolutely critical that we understand this as a third pillar in terms of wanting to support what countries are unable to cover by way of adopting to the changes that taking place in each of the regions in the world.

The fund, really, is also a testament to show our support towards multilateralism and what that can deliver to the table. We know it’s taken many years to even put loss and damage on the agenda and that has been the work of many Philippine delegations. Our bid also showcases the commitment that is strongly supported by the President himself.

Our being chosen as the host of the Loss and Damage Fund Board is a choice really for all climate vulnerable countries. The Philippines has always been and will continue to be in firm solidarity with all climate vulnerable and developing countries on this issue.

We have actively engaged in playing leadership roles to pronounce and advance the Loss and Damage agenda in the climate change negotiations. We played an active role in getting us to where we are now and we intend to do so for the benefit of all climate vulnerable countries.

Before I close, I wish to pay tribute and give due credit to our veterans in the climate change negotiations who have paved the way for this day. Among them the late Bernarditas Mueller and our champions in government such as Senator Loren Legarda as well as those who are among our friends whom I know refer to themselves as the dinosaurs of this collective climate change negotiation efforts, for their invaluable and continuing contributions to the fight against the negative impacts of climate change.

I also wish to thank and acknowledge and give due respect to the Presidency of COP 28 and the UAE Special Envoy to Climate Change Dr. Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber. It was his leadership in COP 28 that led to the inclusion of Loss and Damage into the agenda and eventually led to the creation of the Board.

So our commitment to host the Board is critical at this time not solely because we address the impacts of climate change within our borders, clearly, but also this is about institutionalizing the global effort to address and recognize what is truly lost and damaged economically and non-economically and how this climate change is an existential threat to not just the Philippines but to all of humankind.

So thank you very much.