President Marcos called on the need for multilateralism to address the growing issue of climate change.
In his address to the Parliament of Australia, the President voiced his concern for stronger global cooperation to ensure the world’s future.
“We cannot allow geopolitics to paralyze global governance,” President Marcos said.
“Now, more than ever, we need multilateralism to work. This is particularly important given the scope of global cooperation needed to address our most pressing vulnerability – one that threatens the very survival of our peoples, one that threatens our very future,” he added.
He cited the Philippines as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries after ranking first in the 2023 World Risk Index.
“The Philippines has the potential to be a net carbon sink, absorbing more carbon dioxide than we emit. Yet, we are one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, ranking first in the 2023 World Risk Index,” he said.
According to the President, the glaring disproportion between developed nations’ responsibility for climate change and the vulnerability it inflicts demands immediate action.
President Marcos, meanwhile, thanked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s personal commitment to the vision of a world free of nuclear weapons as he thanked Australia for standing for the Philippines.
“Through the treaties of Bangkok and Rarotonga, our two regions serve as pockets of freedom from these destructive weapons,” he said.
“Within the ambit of the ASEAN Regional Forum and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, our two countries are champions of nuclear disarmament and advocates for nuclear risk reduction,” he added.