Aquino asks for international cooperation against climate change

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno S. Aquino III urged today for international cooperation to address the concerns posed by climate change.

Aquino made the call during his speech at the opening of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Manila Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.

Citing the country's experience on the devastation brought about by Typhoon Haiyan last year, Aquino said that overcoming the challenges posed by climate risk is enormous and requires cooperation at all levels.

Citizens, local governments, and nations must work together to address this problem, he said, noting the importance of the disaster risk reduction meeting being held in Manila.

Countries must take advantage of every opportunity to share their experiences, ideas, and technologies, the value of which is not measured by any form of currency but by the number of lives saved, the president said.

"This is why I encourage all of you: Please, let us continue working together through forums such as this one, and let us deepen our cooperation to give rise to a world that is safer and more resilient," he said.

The Philippines jointly organized the ASEM Manila Conference 2014 with Japan, Switzerland, and the European Union, together with sponsorship of Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Norway, Spain, Vietnam, and Britain.