Alfredo M. Coro II, Mayor of Del Carmen, Philippines; ICLEI Southeast Asia Regional Executive Committee Member; and ICLEI Global Portfolio Holder for Biodiversity, Water and One Health, shared public health challenges and innovations from small islands and coastal communities during engagements held alongside Climate Week NYC in September 2026.

Coro joined ICLEI’s delegation as a representative from Southeast Asia, bringing the perspective of the municipality in Siargao, Philippines, to international climate discussions.

On 22 September, he spoke at “Urban Infrastructure for a Changing World” at Princeton University, discussing public health challenges and innovations in island and coastal settings.

The following day, at the Consulate General of India in New York, the Mayor spoke at a session titled “Open Data, Models and Policies for Low Carbon, Sustainable and Healthy Cities.” His presentation covered public health innovations and challenges linked to heat, sea-level rise and severe typhoons experienced by Asia-Pacific islands.