Expats & Diplomats
Racing against time

Amidst the successive momentum and the direct incidents that leave no room for a sigh of relief — from international conflicts, epidemics, famines, food shortages, the war between Russia and Ukraine, tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the dominance of great powers, consecutive typhoons, this, in addition to the greatest public concern. These days, what has drawn everyone's attention to screens or led them to stadiums: the global event, the 2023 FIBA World Basketball Championship, organized by the Philippines. With its dazzling beginnings and records in attendance and viewership, all wishes for the Philippines in organizational success, regardless of the team's results. Perhaps, hopes extend that the State of Qatar will repeat the unique experience by hosting the next session of FIBA in 2027, as it surprised the world with its dazzling in the 2022 World Cup.

In the midst of all this, there are those who calmly think outside the box, separate from following the herd, and look at the danger that threatens humanity, not only the Philippines but the world at large: climate change. The Philippine Climate Change Committee launched its second initiative in Cayete, Laguna County. The initiative, led by Secretary Robert Burje, Executive Director and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Smart Committee, invited active partners, including the Ambassador of the State of Qatar His Excellency Ambassador Ahmed bin Saad Al-Hamidi, and the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates His Excellency Ambassador Muhammad Obaid Al-Qattam Al-Zaabi. It was essential for Al-Hamidi to travel at night, accompanied by the Second Secretary at the embassy Saeed Al-Qathiani the day before and spend the night there. They had to be at the site of the celebration activities by 5:30 in the morning in Cayete, Laguna, with the journey from Manila to Cayete taking approximately three hours.