President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of enhanced global cooperation in advancing sustainable development and strengthening climate action during his participation in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) on Tuesday.

In his remarks, Marcos thanked the United Arab Emirates for hosting the ADSW, describing it as a “vital platform” that brings together governments, the private sector, and civil society to coordinate policies, technologies, and investments in support of sustainability.

“The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week reminds us that sustainability is no longer the concern of any single sector but a shared imperative,” he said.

“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.

He also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to renewable energy expansion, the promotion of nuclear safety, and science-driven sustainability, as reflected in policy reforms, international partnerships, and investments that drive the country’s transition to clean energy.

To this end, Marcos outlined his administration’s plans to accelerate renewable energy development, including fiscal incentives, streamlined regulations, and innovative financing mechanisms such as Green Bonds and the Renewable Energy Trust Fund.

The President also highlighted the signing of the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, which establishes the country’s first comprehensive framework for the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology.

“This provides a stable and predictable environment for scientists and industries to innovate safely and responsibly. It also signals the Philippines’ readiness to deepen science-driven cooperation with global partners,” he said.

He also noted the Philippines’ role in science-based solutions, including hosting the world’s first International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) High-Level Forum on Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution, which advanced public-private partnerships and innovation for circular and sustainable technologies.

Meanwhile, Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by strengthening the link between climate action, adaptation, and economic development.

He highlighted the country’s development agenda, which prioritizes inclusive growth, innovation, resilient infrastructure, and strong institutions.

Marcos also pointed out that the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to climate change. As chair of the Like-Minded Group of Middle-Income Countries (LMG-MICs), he emphasized the challenges faced by many economies, including rising debt, fiscal constraints, and limited access to development finance.

The Chief Executive renewed his call for reforms in global financial institutions to make climate and development financing fairer, more accessible, and more responsive.

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

Marcos said the Philippines has adopted a community-led approach to climate resilience, citing 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 of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage,” he said.

The President also noted the need for reform in the global financial architecture, citing discussions during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain, where countries acknowledged that the current system is “no longer fit for purpose,” particularly for 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,” he said.

Marcos also underscored the Philippines’ “Whole-of-Nation PLUS” approach, which expands partnerships, deepens inclusivity, and harnesses innovation.

This approach has contributed to progress in key SDG areas, including affordable and clean energy; industry, innovation, and infrastructure; and responsible consumption and production.

Marcos also recalled the Philippines’ participation in the 2025 International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi, reaffirming the country’s commitment to clean energy and sustainable technologies.

The President said the Philippines and the UAE solidified a transformative partnership in the global drive toward sustainability during last year’s ADSW.

Through this gathering, the Philippines secured commitments with Masdar, the UAE’s flagship renewable energy company, to develop up to 10 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, as well as investments of up to $15 billion.

These projects are expected to diversify the country’s energy mix, strengthen energy security, create green jobs, and accelerate technology transfer.

The Chief Executive also shared that technology and sustainability will be central in the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits, chaired by the Philippines.

“I assure everyone that we will promote a people-centered and future-ready ASEAN, with strengthened cooperation on climate resilience, digital transformation, and the responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence,” he said.

“I look forward to your support in realizing a vision of an ASEAN that is agile, inclusive, and capable of contributing meaningfully to global solutions,” he added.