First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos delivers the main address for the Climate Adaptability and Energy Forum during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday (Feb. 13, 2025). Araneta-Marcos urged everyone to harness innovation, collaborate across borders, and take action to mitigate the impact of climate change. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Budget and Management)
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has called for enhanced international collaboration to combat climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to prevent significant human and economic losses.
Speaking at the Climate Adaptability and Energy Forum during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Thursday, Araneta-Marcos highlighted climate change’s real and devastating effects, particularly on vulnerable nations like the Philippines.
“Climate change is not just about statistics. It has a human face—a face that belongs to millions of families suffering the consequences of a crisis they did not create,” she said.
She stressed that no country can tackle the climate crisis alone, urging global solidarity and the need to leverage innovation and international cooperation for “real and lasting solutions.”
Philippines’ commitment to climate action
Araneta-Marcos reiterated the Philippine government’s dedication to addressing climate challenges, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. She cited the country’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030 as part of its broader social and economic transformation agenda.
She also mentioned the government’s National Adaptation Plan, which is designed to strengthen community resilience and mainly focuses on infrastructure and energy security.
The Philippines is among the most climate-vulnerable nations
Araneta-Marcos underscored the Philippines’ high susceptibility to climate change, describing it as “the most at-risk country in the world.”
She recalled the six tropical cyclones that struck the country between October and November 2024, affecting 30 million Filipinos.
“Let us share our best practices and technologies to ensure a just energy transition. Let us empower future generations with the knowledge and tools to tackle climate challenges head-on,” she urged.
Concluding her speech, Araneta-Marcos called on world leaders to take immediate action: “We must all do our part, and we must do it together. Let’s not wait for another crisis to force us into action. The time to act is now.”
