MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND THE CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPIN…
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in the United Arab Emirates and the Climate Commission of the Republic of the Philippines, hereinafter referred to individually as “the Participant” and collectively as “the Participants,” based on the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries, and their mutual desire to increase cooperation for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and environmental protection,
Have reached the following understanding:
Paragraph (1)
Objective
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aims to enhance cooperation between the Participants in climate change mitigation and environmental protection, adaptation capabilities and conserving environmental resources and biodiversity.
Paragraph (2)
Areas of Cooperation
The Participants look forward to cooperating in the following areas:
- Engaging in capacity-building programs that enhance climate change mitigation capabilities and related technical capacity;
- Exchange technical and scientific research on addressing climate change between participants’ educational institutions;
- Exchange information on laws and regulations related to climate change;
- Exchange visits of experts and specialists to share relevant knowledge, experience, and publications, and to explore technical aspects of climate-smart practices and zero-emission technologies;
- Promote collaborative studies in fields of climate change;
- Organizing technical workshops, seminars, and conferences on topics relevant to climate change;
- Collaborate with regional and global environmental protection organizations to meet environmental agreements while serving mutual interests; and
- Other areas of cooperation as may be agreed by the Participants.
Paragraph (3)
Joint Committee
- A joint Committee, hereinafter referred to as “Committee” will be formed for the purpose of coordination and cooperation under this MOU. The Committee will consist of a number of representatives of the Participants.
- The Committee will meet every two (2) years alternately in Abu Dhabi and Manila at the date agreed upon by the Participants. Special meetings will be held upon the call of either of the Participants whenever they deem necessary.
- The Committee will submit annual reports on the achievements, set priorities and develop action plans for the targeted projects, particularly capacity – building projects.
Paragraph (4)
Confidentiality
The Participants are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of the Information related to this MOU, and the use of trademarks or logos and all other rights by either Participants is subject to their written approval.
Paragraph (5)
Costs & Expenses
Each Participant will bear the travel expenses for the specialists, representatives, and/or trainees upon participating in any of the cooperation activities set forth in this MOU, unless otherwise agreed by both Participants.
Each Participants shall bear its own financial costs and expense resulting from the implementation of this MOU.
Paragraph (6)
Legal Obligations
All the activities within the framework of this MOU shall be carried out in accordance with the domestic legislation of each Participant, without detriment to the commitments of legal obligations arising from bilateral and multilateral agreements.
Paragraph (7)
Independence
Each Party shall maintain its independence and its legal, organizational, and financial functions.
Paragraph (8)
Amendments
The provisions of this MOU may be amended by mutual written consent of the Participants, through diplomatic channels.
Paragraph (9)
Settlement of Differences
Any differences arising from the interpretation or implementation of this MOU shall be settled amicably by the Participants, through diplomatic channels.
Paragraph (10)
Effectivity, Validity and Duration
1. This MOU shall take effect on the date of its signature and shall be effective for a period of five (5) years. It shall be renewed for a similar period, unless one of the Participants notifies the other Participants in writing of its desire not to renew or to terminate it, sixty (60) days before the specified termination date of the MOU.
2. The termination of this MOU shall not affect the conclusion of the cooperation projects or activities that may have been executed while the MOU was in effect.
Paragraph (11)
Copies
This MOU was signed on 2 December 2023 in duplicate originals in English and Arabic language, and each Participant received its own original copy to act upon and implement what is stated therein. Both texts being equally authentic.
Environment of the United Arab Emirates of
the Philippines
Entry into Force: December 2, 2023