MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday rallied world leaders to “act decisively and immediately” on pressing global issues, primarily climate change and food security. 

“Our people look to their leaders, to us, to correctly navigate the uncertain waters of this new world. Our partnerships will make us strong. Our partnerships will give us wisdom. The future awaits,” President Marcos told leaders in his intervention during the 17th East Asia Summit.

The President made the call in front of world leaders, which included Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, US President Joe Biden, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Kate Ardern, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, India Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, South Korea President Yoon Sukyeol and Australia Prime Minister Anthony Norman Albanese.

Moving towards the post-pandemic economic recovery, the chief executive said stakeholders in ASEAN and East Asia must build on and improve existing strategies towards holistic and green, and sustainable development to ensure environmentally-sound economic progress. 

“It has become glaringly clear that there is a dire need to strengthen food security towards self-sufficiency in our region, to increase adaptability and resilience in the face of threats to the global supply chain,” the President pointed out.

“It is incumbent upon us, for our sake and that of future generations, to act decisively and immediately on climate change,” Marcos said.

The Philippines, Marcos said, expresses its support for EAS initiatives, especially on promoting women’s economic empowerment, strengthening energy security, and promoting volunteerism for sustainable development –– all consistent with the EAS objectives as a leader’s-led forum on strategic issues.

The Philippine leader also looked forward to working closely together with Indonesia, the incoming ASEAN Chair for the year 2023, in continuing community-building efforts. (PND)