December 2-5, 2024 | UCLG ASPAC President, Governor Dakila Carlo Cua, representing the Local Government and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) constituency, delivered an intervention during the Fourth Board Meeting of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) on December 3, 2024 in Metro Manila. He underscored how accessibility to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage is critical for local and regional governments, including simplified application procedures, direct funding channels, and technical support. He also indicated the need for civil protection systems to facilitate immediate action and strengthen partnerships across governance levels.
In a separate bilateral meeting with the FRLD Executive Director, Mr. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, on December 5, 2024, the UCLG ASPAC President reiterated the readiness of local and regional governments to act on loss and damage, such as on rebuilding economic activity and infrastructure, and providing opportunities lost due to climate event. He emphasised the need to give voice to LGMA and to understand the role and function that LGMA can add. The FRLD Executive Director responded that the Board envisions a bottom-up approach and consultation with all stakeholders, including local governments, in its operation. He also stated the importance of showcasing the success stories of local governments so they can be scaled up.
Board members of the Loss and Damage Fund convened for its fourth meeting from December 2 to 5, 2024, at the Philippine International Convention Centre in Pasay City, Philippines. The meeting was hosted by the Government of the Philippines. The Board of the FRLD is comprised of 26 members, including 12 members from developed countries and 14 members from developing countries. The fourth meeting of the Board of the FRLD discussed the operationalisation of a bottom-up country-led approach, proposal for the establishment of the Independent Secretariat, policies on rules of procedure and travel, arrangements for an annual high-level dialogue, workplan for January to June 2025, and participation of active observers. LGMA participated as an observer, being one of the nine constituencies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
