The Department of Energy (DOE) and the British Embassy Manila, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, South East Asia Energy Transition Partnership and the United States Agency for International Development, hosted the second Energy Transition Council (ETC) National Dialogue on Tuesday, 22 November 2022.

The Philippines is one of the participating countries of the ETC, an initiative launched in 2020 as part of the UK COP26 Presidency. The ETC provides a platform for solutions-based discussions and coordination between countries that require support for their energy transition and major international donors and institutions that offer assistance. Since the first National Dialogue in March 2021, donor support for six priority TA projects relating to ancillary services, energy labelling, ocean and thermal energy, smart grid and energy storage system, and offshore wind have been mobilised through the Rapid Response Facility, ETC’s technical assistance coordination mechanism.

The 2022 National Dialogue focused on the country’s policy direction and priority investments in clean energy and emerging technologies, such as offshore wind, hydrogen, and energy storage systems, which are aligned with the administration’s push for increased use of indigenous and renewable energy sources. With thecountry’s abundant natural resources, there is vast potential to harness renewable energy. According to Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, “[The ETC] it is very important because it is the forum of all forums – it is the one that basically coordinates all of us, all the partnerships towards one goal in making sure that we comply with our obligations under UNFCCC.’’

Renewable energy solutions have become more widely available, cost-competitive and technologically proven, making them good business opportunities. Following the issuance of the Department of Justice’s opinion easing the 60:40 foreign equity limitation on renewable energy sources, DOE shared that they have amended the implementing rules and regulations of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 to allow 100% foreign capital in RE projects, which is expected to attract foreign investments into the sector.

Senior government officials, representatives from the diplomatic community and donor institutions, CSOs and other key energy stakeholders attended the dialogue in support of the country’s power transition goals. In her opening remarks, British Ambassador Laure Beaufils said, ‘Today’s Energy Transition Council is all about bringing international community and private sector together to support the Philippines’s Renewable Energy transition. The ETC’s Rapid Response Facility (RRF) matches commercial, regulatory and policy assistance requirements arising from the ETC dialogues to be matched with existing programmes or additional technical assistance.”

The ETC also welcomed next year’s roster of ETC co-leads, namely the Royal Danish Embassy, GIZ (German Development Agency), and the World Bank to work closely with the DOE and ETC in identifying, coordinating and implementing targeted measures in specific energy sector areas, namely energy efficiency, clean energy and reliable energy systems respectively, to help accelerate the energy transition in the country. As co-lead of the energy efficiency working group, Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin underscored that the Philippines has every opportunity to decouple future growth from energy consumption and highlighted energy efficiency as the first fuel to achieve energy security.

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The UN Migration Agency, International Organization for Migration (IOM), with support from the Government of the United Kingdom (UK), launched the project “Nexus of Transformative Solutions for Peace and Climate Adaptation”. The project aims to build evidence on the interlinkages between conflict and climate change from a human mobility lens and to directly engage communities from provinces across the BARMM in participatory action research. Furthermore, it seeks to strengthen the socioeconomic resiliency to climate change in conflict-prone communities, with Shariff Aguak and Mamasapano in Maguindanao del Sur and Marawi City in Lanao del Sur as pilot communities.

“This is a milestone for the UK and the Bangsamoro Government as our first initiative to integrate climate change and peacebuilding objectives into local climate action and resilience-building in a conflict-affected context,” said Alistair White, the Deputy Head of the Mission of the British Embassy in the Philippines. The project builds on the continuous collaboration between IOM and the Government of the UK, which has contributed to key initiatives for sustainable peace in BARMM.” Alistair continued, “We will give our full support to this valuable partnership.”

The BARMM is in a state of transition as part of the joint implementation of the peace agreement. It continues to face security challenges with sporadic violence and conflict, clan feuds (rido), and the presence of non-state armed groups which are often driven by the lack of socioeconomic opportunities in resource-dependent communities. Meanwhile, the region also experiences multiple natural hazards which can result in slow to sudden onset disasters. Most recently, the BARMM was devasted by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) where massive flooding and landslides affected over one million persons and displaced more than 280,000 in the region.

“The project brings together the knowledge and experience of local stakeholders, shedding light on the increasingly emerging risks that affect communities left behind in the BARMM,” said Tristan A. Burnett, IOM Chief of Mission in the Philippines. “IOM hopes that the evidence and best practices identified during this project will help guide the BARMM and conflict-affected communities to mainstream adaptation and mitigation strategies to climate change,” continued Burnett.

Some studies have shown that climate emergencies can increase security risks by exacerbating preexisting socioeconomic and environmental vulnerabilities. They can cause depletion in resources, intensify tensions and inequality, and drive unwanted migration – all of which may potentially contribute to conflict.

“Poverty reduction, economic development, and peace and community building efforts all face obstacles of both conflict and climate change. Fragile communities have particularly significant challenges and constraints from climate change, especially in managing the risks from crisis and supporting climate change adaptation” said Hon. Ahod B. Ebrahim, the BARMM’s Chief Minister, emphasizing the need for better understanding of long-term approaches to address the potential effects of climate change on instability and conflicts in the region.

Through the video message, Hon. Ahod B. Ebrahim, further expressed his gratitude to the Government of the UK and IOM. Echoing his message, Engr. Mohajahirin T. Ali, MNSA. Director General of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority, shared his message of appreciation and highlighted the project’s “contribution to BARMM during the crucial transition period” and in supporting efforts for sustainable peace and development in the region.

As part of its commitment to deliver the Chagossian Support Package, the UK government has announced a programme of financial support for individuals of Chagossian descent who wish to study at Middlesex University Mauritius.

Middlesex University Mauritius is part of Middlesex University, and offers highly regarded qualifications underpinned by the British education system. The university campus is located on the west coast of the island of Mauritius. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in accounting, advertising, business, computing, and law, as well as an international foundation programme. Learn more about the university on the Middlesex University Mauritius website.

As a bursary recipient, you will benefit from full fee waivers, free university accommodation, and a contribution toward living costs, for a period of 1 year. Bursary awards for subsequent years of study will depend on availability of UK government funding and are not guaranteed.

To be eligible, you will need to prove that you were born on the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)/Chagos Archipelago, or are descended from someone who was.

If you are not a Mauritian citizen, you can still apply for a bursary, but you will need to pay for your own travel costs to Mauritius and obtain a student visa from the Mauritian government.

The number of initial bursaries available is limited. If more applications are received than the number of bursaries available, bursary recipients will be selected by Middlesex University Mauritius on  the basis of academic merit.

If you are interested in applying for a bursary, complete the Middlesex University Mauritius’ online form and someone from the university will be in touch with you.

Courses start in February 2023 and September 2023. If you would like to apply for a bursary for a course starting in February 2023, you must register your interest using the online form by 10 January 2023 at the latest.

If you have any general queries about the bursary scheme or studying at Middlesex University Mauritius, contact Vanessa Ramchandar at v.ramchandar@mdx.ac.mu.

• Aim is to create one-stop shop to show off the best of region, attract investment and boost local economy
• Scheme will help attract more visitors through new initiatives and target major national and international events and markets

The North East has been selected as the location for a major tourism project which aims to attract more investment, welcome more sporting, business and cultural events, support business growth, create new jobs, and boost domestic and international tourist numbers.

Tourism boards, known as Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), help businesses and visitors find out about an area and often lead the development of the local tourism sector.

But last year’s independent review into DMOs carried out by Nick de Bois, found the landscape is overcrowded and fragmented. For example, there are more than 150 DMOs of all shapes and sizes in England which makes it confusing for tourists planning breaks and businesses looking to invest.

To fix this problem and make sure the country is providing tourists with the best service, the government is streamlining DMOs by accrediting the top performing organisations so they can grow the visitor economy and attract major business, cultural and sporting events. The plans were set out earlier this year.

As part of plans to overhaul the current system, NewcastleGateshead Initiative in the North East has been selected to lead a pilot in partnership with Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham working across seven local authority areas. The partnership will receive £2.25 million to help successfully develop and market the region as a must-visit destination while attracting further private investment and driving growth.

The aim of the partnership model is to extend the tourism season and attract more visitors from across the UK and abroad through initiatives such as the creation of Tour de Yorkshire, following the Tour de France stage in Yorkshire back in 2015, or the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer.

By working in partnership, tourism boards will be able to attract new hotels, develop major attractions such as the Eden Project in Cornwall, build on local heritage and cultural assets through the likes of UNESCO World Heritage bids, grow the food and drink offer and maximise the potential of the region’s natural assets, including its dark skies, beaches and national parks.

Working with the tourism industry and the growing digital cluster, partnerships will also make sure that the tourism offering is fully accessible to all visitors including families and visitors with access needs. For example, NewcastleGateshead Initiative recently worked with tech company Kerckhoffs to capture an immersive experience of Newcastle’s Quayside Market using Eyemmersive technology. The video means that visitors can explore the market virtually and prepare children with special educational needs and disabilities before they experience it in real life.

Tourism Minister Stuart Andrew said:

From Hadrian’s Wall to Durham Cathedral and the bright lights of Newcastle, the North East has much to offer tourists from around the world, but we want to go further and attract even more visitors.

We are looking at what more we can do to streamline the way the region’s tourism bodies work together, improve the region’s offer and the way it markets itself.

With £2.25 million in funding, we hope the North East can be a pioneer for other areas in unlocking its potential and putting its best foot forward.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:

Congratulations to the North East on being announced as the pilot region for the Destination Development Partnership (DDP).

The UK Government’s decision to proceed with a pilot approach is a valuable opportunity to prove the DDP concept, demonstrating the benefits that these reforms will have if rolled out nationwide. We will also be able to really measure an element of funding at a regional level to develop tourism and what impact that will have, strengthening the case for future funding.

We look forward to working with NewcastleGateshead Initiative and Northumberland and Durham tourism boards to develop the DDP pilot, ensuring we have the right infrastructure in place to enable England to continue to be a compelling destination for domestic and international visitors.

Sarah Green, CEO, NewcastleGateshead Initiative:

This pilot is an incredible opportunity to unlock our growth potential in the North East, attracting more visitors, reaching new international markets, creating jobs, growing businesses, attracting investment, and reinforcing local pride in our place.

As the first Destination Development Partnership, we will work with our partners in Visit County Durham and Visit Northumberland to ensure the tourism sector is supported and grows across all seven local authorities in the region. Our region will act as a blueprint for the rest of England, and we could not be prouder to help shape the future landscape of destination management organisations, working in partnership to deliver local economic growth through the visitor economy.

From Auckland Castle to Alnwick Gardens, from dark skies to sparkly venues, from fish and chips to fine dining – the aim of this partnership is to provide an inclusive welcome for all, attracting more international and domestic visitors with a fantastic regional offer and visitor experience.

Partnerships should support businesses to create sustainable tourism offers, reduce their carbon footprint and offer consumers opportunities to enjoy themselves whilst minimising their impact on the environment.

Thanks to the new partnerships, tourists will know where to go to find quality, trusted information, tailored to their destination. Going forward, it will also mean that tourism boards can work more effectively with local authorities to explore new initiatives such as travel initiatives that make it seamless for tourists to get around the local area.

Evidence will be collected throughout the pilot to understand how effective the proposed model is and to support any future funding considerations.

If the pilot is successful, the government will look to roll the partnership model out to other regions across England.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• See the full DMO review response on gov.uk
• DCMS is backing the country’s powerhouse sectors to grow the economy and make a difference where people live.
• DCMS sectors, like tech, telecoms and the creative industries, contributed £211 billion to the economy last year and support more than four million jobs across the UK. And they are creating new jobs, with 250,000 more jobs now than in 2019, before the pandemic.
• Tourism is vital to England’s economy. It contributed £74 billion to the UK in 2019, employs people across the country, delivers local economic growth and makes people feel proud of where they live.