President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued a powerful call for global solidarity and systemic financial reform during his keynote address at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) on Tuesday. Speaking at the “Next Leap: Global South Infrastructure” dialogue, the President emphasized that sustainable development is a “shared imperative” that transcends borders and sectors.
Addressing an audience of world leaders, private sector executives, and civil society, President Marcos lauded the UAE for hosting the forum, noting its critical role in aligning policy and investment. This visit marks the President’s second working visit to the UAE in just over a year, signaling a deepening of bilateral ties in trade, defense, and green energy.
The centerpiece of the President’s address was a candid critique of the current global financial architecture. As Chair of the Like-Minded Group of Middle-Income Countries, President Marcos highlighted the “trap” many developing nations face: rising debt and borrowing costs that outpace economic growth.
“This is not simply a matter of finance. It is a matter of equity, stability, and shared responsibility,” President Marcos stated. He urged for reforms to make climate and development financing fairer and more accessible, ensuring that debt burdens do not crowd out essential investments in health and education.
President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its “Whole-of-Nation PLUS” approach—a strategy that integrates innovation and expanded partnerships to drive progress in clean energy and resilient infrastructure.
Key domestic highlights from the President’s address included:
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The People’s Survival Fund: A community-led mechanism providing direct adaptation support to vulnerable Filipino locales.
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Global Leadership: The Philippines’ role as a board member for the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund, and its distinction as the host of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.
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Energy Transition: A commitment to accelerating the deployment of renewable energy to meet the nation’s long-term sustainability targets.
Referencing the ADSW theme, “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” President Marcos reminded the international community that progress is only possible if nations move together. He reiterated that for climate-vulnerable nations like the Philippines, the link between climate adaptation and economic development is inseparable.
