Two Philippine Global Explorers (PGE) members, Morse Caoagas Flores and Jose Roland Moya, proudly represented the Philippines at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. As the world’s primary multilateral decision-making forum on climate change, COP29 focused on climate finance and brought together countries, organizations, and individuals dedicated to addressing the global climate crisis.
Morse Caoagas Flores, a Human Rights Officer with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and Jose Roland Moya, Director-General of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), showcased the critical intersection of climate justice, human rights, and labor policies. Their contributions to COP29 demonstrated the vital role of Filipino leadership in shaping global solutions to climate change.
Morse Caoagas Flores: Human Rights at the Heart of Climate Action
Morse brought his expertise as part of OHCHR’s negotiating team, advocating for human rights as the cornerstone of climate action. His portfolio included negotiating texts related to Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, Capacity Building, Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE), and Agriculture. Additionally, he provided backup for issues surrounding gender and youth.
As Secretary of the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples, Morse also worked closely with Indigenous representatives, ensuring they had a voice at the negotiating table.
Reflecting on his mission, he stated, “There is no climate justice without human rights.” Morse’s efforts ensured that Indigenous Peoples and other vulnerable communities were represented and that their rights were protected in global climate agreements.
Jose Roland Moya: Bridging Labor and Climate Priorities
Roland, representing the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), brought a unique perspective to COP29 by addressing the nexus between climate change and labor issues. As a panelist in three side events, he tackled critical topics, including climate change and trafficking, the just energy transition and sustainable financing, and labor policies for skills development and employment priorities.
Roland emphasized the importance of a just transition for workers, highlighting that sustainable climate policies must align with employment opportunities, labor rights, and economic development. His leadership underscored how climate action must integrate comprehensive labor policies to ensure inclusive and equitable outcomes for all.
A Shared Mission
Both Morse and Roland exemplified the spirit of the Philippine Global Explorers by amplifying Filipino voices on the world stage and contributing to solutions for the planet’s most pressing issues. Their work at COP29 reflects the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to climate change—merging human rights, labor priorities, and sustainable finance to achieve transformative results.
The Philippine Global Explorers celebrates Morse and Roland for their dedication, leadership, and advocacy. Their participation at COP29 not only highlights the Philippines’ commitment to addressing climate change but also inspires others to take part in building a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.
