UNICEF urges PH to invest in climate-resilient schools

UNICEF is urging the Philippine government to invest in climate-resilient schools to ensure uninterrupted education for students.

UNICEF Philippines representative Behzad Noubary stated that climate-related class disruptions hinder students' development of essential foundational and socioemotional skills.

The organization recommends government investment in infrastructure, curriculum, learning materials, teacher training, and alternative delivery methods to support flexible learning during disruptions.

The Philippines, ranked as the country with the highest disaster risk for three consecutive years by the World Risk Index, is also the second most climate-vulnerable country for children in East Asia and the Pacific according to a UNICEF study.

UNICEF called for the Philippines to adopt child-sensitive Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for its updated climate action plan under the Paris Agreement, to be presented at the upcoming COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Mr. Noubary emphasized that these NDCs must include adaptation measures to promote inclusive and continuous quality education for all children.