First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos recently visited the United Arab Emirates to participate in the World Governments Summit in Dubai from 12 to 13 February.

Mrs. Marcos highlighted the progress that the Marcos administration preparing the country for a more sustainable future.

“Honored to represent our country at the Collaborative Models for Development Forum at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai,” she posted on social media.

“More than ever, we are reminded that progress isn’t a solo journey.  A stronger and more sustainable future is possible, but only if we walk this path together,” she added.

She also discussed the effects of climate change, an issue also deeply cared about by her husband President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Mrs. Marcos noted that climate change isn’t just about numbers and policies but about people, communities and the future the world shares.

“The time is for bold, united action is now. Let’s work together to create a sustainable and resilient world for generations to come,” she stressed.

She also engaged in conversations with Emirati leaders His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai.

The First Lady also witnessed agreements between the UAE and the Philippines as several government agencies signed Treaties and Memorandum of Understanding with their counterparts.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga accompanied Mrs. Marcos on her working visit to the Arab country.

The Philippines, through the DENR, have signed an MOU for Reducing Plastic Waste Leakage with Clean Rivers, it encourages participants to collaborate, assess and cooperate on reducing plastic pollution in the ocean and solid waste entering the waterways, to help reduce floods, rehabilitate the river’s ecosystem to support biodiversity, and improve water quality.

The Philippines and Clean Rivers aim to reduce marine plastic litter by 50 percent by the year 2030.

The DBM signed an MOU with the UAE on Cooperation in the Field of Improvement and Development of Government Activities. The two entities will engage in capacity building for leadership, public financial management, and/or public expenditure management.

It will also exchange ideas on development of knowledge management products for government services and performance, innovation and excellence; strategic planning and management; and any other areas.

Meanwhile, the DOJ signed three treaties with the UAE such as the Treaty on Extradition where the two countries agree to extradite persons found in its territory and for the purpose of criminal prosecution or trial or enforcement of a sentence imposed on that person for an extraditable offense.

It also signed a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. Both parties of the two governments agree to provide each other the widest possible measure of mutual legal assistance in the investigation, prosecution and suppression of criminal offenses and in proceedings related to criminal matters.

Lastly, both the UAE and the Philippines Justice Department agree to transfer persons who are sentenced in their Sentencing State to serve the remaining sentence in the Administering State in which he or she is a citizen.

In addition to her official visits, the First Lady also took the opportunity to meet kababayans working in the UAE before heading back to the Philippines.

Mrs. Marcos said she is “inspired” by the dedication of the Filipinos braving the distance between their home country and the place where they currently reside and work.

“It’s inspiring to see how our kababayans carry the Filipino spirit wherever they go,” she said.

She also thanked the Philippine Consulate in Dubai for accommodating the Philippine delegation for the World Governments Summit 2025. She noted how their warmth and kindness made a difference to their meetings with the summit’s stakeholders and UAE state officials.

"To the amazing Filipino hotel staff at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, thank you for going out of your way to make us feel at home. You embody the true spirit of Filipino hospitality and we are so proud of you!” she said.