SAN FRANCISCO, California — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation members to reflect on historical climate injustice where those who are least responsible suffer the most.

In a speech at the APEC Leaders Informal Dialogue and Working Lunch with Guests on Thursday (US time), Marcos said climate change is one of the region's most pressing challenges today and that APEC offers a unique platform for collaboration on climate action.

Marcos then called for stronger regional cooperation to address climate change, emphasizing the need for a just and inclusive transition to a clean, renewable and sustainable economy.

"APEC's work must reflect a historical climate injustice for those that are least responsible suffer the most," Marcos said.

"The just energy transition entails not only ensuring that affected and already underserved segments such as micro, small, and medium enterprises and rural and geographically disadvantaged communities continue to have access to affordable energy, but also that our ambition is supported by quality jobs and workforce development, human resource upskilling, infrastructure connectivity, and blended finance packages," the President said.

Economic reform

He also highlighted the importance of economic reform toward greening the economy, noting the need for good regulatory practices and integrating innovation into regulatory policy development.

"Tools such as impact assessments, public consultations, and international regulatory cooperation would improve regulatory efficiency," Marcos said.

He also called for stronger economic and technical cooperation to ensure that green energy solutions are accessible and affordable to all.

"Let me end by saying that regional cooperation, structural reforms, and capacity building will be even more critical as we advance toward our sustainability and inclusivity goals," he added. "The current economic climate presents us with several opportunities to drive peace, prosperity, and resilience in our region and the global economy."

Marcos commended the United States for its excellent chairmanship of APEC this year and for sparking critical discussions on climate change.

"I commend the US for sparking critical discussions warranting our commitment and for its excellent chairmanship of APEC this year, bringing us all closer to a sustainable and resilient future," he said.

Landmark deal

Meanwhile, the Philippines and the United States on Thursday signed the breakthrough "123 Agreement" on nuclear energy cooperation.

The landmark deal would allow Washington to export nuclear technology and materials to Manila, which is exploring the use of atomic power to decarbonize and boost energy independence.

In a signing ceremony on the sidelines of the APEC Summit, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States "will be able to share equipment and material with the Philippines as they work to develop small modular reactors and other civilian nuclear energy infrastructure."

"As peak energy demands are expected to nearly quadruple in the Philippines by 2040, nuclear power can consistently produce enough energy to meet communities' critical needs without emitting more greenhouse gases," Blinken said.

He added: "In a nation of more than 7,000 islands, small modular reactors, some just the size of a city bus, can generate energy locally and conveniently. Nuclear energy will also create inclusive economic opportunities for American and Filipino businesses alike and good quality, high-paying jobs in both of our countries."

Marcos, for his part, said the Philippines sees nuclear energy becoming part of the Philippine energy mix by 2032.

"We would be more than happy to pursue this path with the United States as one of our partners," he said.

Major step

Marcos said the signing of the Philippines-United States Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, or the 123 Agreement, is the "first major step in this major regard, taking our cooperation on capacity building further and opening the door for US companies to invest and participate in nuclear power projects in the country."

Negotiations for the 123 Agreement began in November 2022.

Previous attempts to pursue nuclear energy in the Philippines were halted over safety concerns. Still, Marcos has discussed the possibility of reviving a mothballed nuclear power plant built in response to an energy crisis during the regime of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., his father.

Completed in 1984, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was mothballed two years later following the ouster of the older Marcos, the deadly Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and amid corruption allegations.