PBBM urges cooperation, climate financing reforms at Abu Dhabi meet

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

Speaking at the global dialogue, Marcos underscored that sustainability is now a shared global responsibility that requires collective action across governments, the private sector and civil society. “The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week reminds us that sustainability is no longer the concern of any single sector but a shared imperative,” Marcos said, as quoted in a Palace news release. (Photo: PNA)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called for stronger global cooperation and reforms in international financing systems to accelerate sustainable development and climate action, as he addressed world leaders and experts at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

Speaking at the global dialogue, Marcos underscored that sustainability is now a shared global responsibility that requires collective action across governments, the private sector and civil society.

“The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week reminds us that sustainability is no longer the concern of any single sector but a shared imperative,” Marcos said, as quoted in a Palace news release.

“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.

Marcos thanked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for convening ADSW, describing it as a vital platform for aligning policies, technologies and investments toward sustainable outcomes.

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

Amid rapid technological, economic and geopolitical shifts, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing the need to integrate climate action, adaptation, and economic development.

He highlighted the country’s development agenda, which focuses on inclusive growth, innovation, resilient infrastructure and strong institutions, while noting the Philippines’ continued vulnerability to climate change.

Marcos pointed to shared challenges faced by many developing economies, including rising debt, fiscal constraints and limited access to development finance.

The President reiterated calls for reforms in global financial institutions to make climate and development financing fairer, more accessible and more responsive to the needs of 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.

He also cited discussions during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain, where countries acknowledged that the current global financial architecture is “no longer fit for purpose.”

Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ advocacy for increased climate finance, effective use of concessional financing such as Official Development Assistance, and support for disaster risk reduction, sustainable transport and infrastructure and the circular economy.

At the national level, Marcos said the Philippines has adopted a community-led approach to climate resilience, highlighting the People’s Survival Fund as a key mechanism 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.

Marcos also emphasized the administration’s “Whole-of-Nation PLUS” approach, which broadens partnerships, deepens inclusivity, and harnesses innovation, contributing to progress in key SDG areas such as clean energy, infrastructure and responsible consumption.

He said accelerating the country’s energy transition through the expanded deployment of renewable energy remains one of the administration’s long-term goals.

ADSW is a flagship annual forum hosted by the UAE that brings together global leaders and experts to promote innovative solutions and collective action on climate change, clean energy and sustainable development.