Marcos: Sustainable development, climate action a ‘shared imperative’

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday stressed the importance of enhanced global cooperation in advancing sustainable development and strengthening climate action during his visit to Abu Dhabi, noting that sustainability is now a “shared imperative.”

He made the remarks in his keynote address at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), where he also thanked the United Arab Emirates for convening the ADSW as a vital platform to bring together governments, the private sector, and civil society to align policies, technologies, and investments in support of sustainability.

“The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) reminds us that sustainability is no longer the concern of any single sector but a shared imperative,” Marcos said during the ADSW dialogue “Next Leap: Global South Infrastructure.”

“This year’s theme, ‘The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,’ captures this reality well. Progress today means that we must move together with purpose,” he added.

The President is on a working visit to the UAE, his second in over a year, to strengthen bilateral relations between Manila and Abu Dhabi in trade, defense, and sustainable development.

The ADSW is a prestigious annual forum hosted by the UAE where world leaders and experts convene to showcase innovative solutions and drive global action on climate change, clean energy, and sustainable development.

Achieving sustainable development goals

In his keynote remarks, Marcos also renewed the Philippines’ commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by strengthening the link between climate action, adaptation, and economic development.

He also highlighted the country’s development agenda, which prioritizes inclusive growth, innovation, resilient infrastructure, and strong institutions.

He noted that the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to climate change.

As chair of the Like-Minded Group of Middle-Income Countries, the President underscored the challenges faced by many economies such as rising debt, fiscal constraints, and limited access to development finance.

He also reiterated calls for reforms in global financial institutions to make climate and development financing fairer, more accessible, and more responsive.

Climate finance, resilience

In addition, Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ consistent advocacy for increased climate finance, the effective use of concessional financing like Official Development Assistance (ODA), and support for disaster risk reduction and management, sustainable transport and infrastructure, and the circular economy.

He noted that back home, the Philippines adopted a community-led approach to climate resilience.

Marcos cited the People’s Survival Fund as a key mechanism in supporting vulnerable communities through adaptation projects, climate data, and technology.

“The Philippines views the People’s Survival Fund as complementing the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, and the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage – three global mechanisms where we are board members. We are also the proud host to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage,” he said.

The President likewise underscored the need for reform in the global financial architecture.

He also pointed to discussions during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain where countries acknowledged that the current system is “no longer fit for purpose,” particularly for climate-vulnerable nations.

“Borrowing costs for climate-vulnerable countries exceed growth rates, while debt burdens crowd out investments in health, education, and resilience. This is not simply a matter of finance. It is a matter of equity, stability, and shared responsibility,” Marcos said.

In advancing sustainable development, he highlighted the Philippines’ “Whole-of-Nation PLUS” approach, which expands partnerships, deepens inclusivity, and harnesses innovation.

He said this approach contributed to progress in SDG key areas, including affordable and clean energy; industry, innovation, and infrastructure; and responsible consumption and production.

Meanwhile, the President said one of the government’s long-term goals is to accelerate the energy transition by accelerating the utilization and deployment of renewable energy. – JMA, GMA Integrated News