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A Word from the V20 Chair

purisimaSpring Message from  H.E. Cesar V. Purisima, Secretary of Finance of the Philippines

The V20 Finance Ministers will gather for the second time this week in Washington, DC. Our attentions will again focus on economic and financial responses to climate change as we follow-up on the landmark Paris Agreement of last December. With temperatures still on the rise, climate change remains a primary threat to our prosperity and to global development.
Addressing the challenges of our climate reality presents enormous opportunities. As the first group of finance ministers dedicated to responding to climate change, we are increasing our level of activity to pioneer innovative responses from across our enlarged membership of more than 40 economies, while remaining true to the core needs of members most threatened by global warming. We are also actively strengthening our partnerships with finance and development institutions and groups, as well as the private sector. We are working for a financial system consistent with the new 1.5 degrees Celsius Paris Agreement target and the reinforcing of the resilience of vulnerable groups around the world.
Without pushing a concrete and viable financial roadmap forward, we risk turning this forum into another talk shop that fails the most vulnerable of our populations. This is a risk we refuse to take. Having worked as an accountant for a large part of my adult life, I know very well that only what gets measured gets done. I do believe however, that there is indeed strength in numbers. Together, we are determined to find clear, definitive solutions for our countries to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
We are very optimistic on the progress of our work. Stay tuned to this week’s events and the outcomes of the 2nd V20 Ministerial Dialogue on Thursday. Join the conversation; help collaborate on global action towards a climate-resilient future.