First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has urged global leaders to take immediate and collective action against climate change as she underscored the devastating human cost of inaction.

The First Lady said this in her main address at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Feb. 13.

In her speech, First Lady Liza called for three key actions from the international community. First, she urged all countries to harness innovation and cross-border collaboration to develop lasting solutions.

Next, she called for the sharing of best practices and technologies to ensure a just energy transition and urged the empowerment of future generations with the knowledge and tools to combat climate challenges.

“Let us not wait for another crisis to force us into action,” she said.

“The time to act is now,” she added.

The First Lady noted how the Philippines is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations.

“Our country is among the most vulnerable nations to climate change,” she said.

“For three consecutive years, we have been ranked the most at-risk country in the world by the World Risk Index,” she added.

‘Climate change has a face’

Marcos highlighted the unprecedented impact of recent weather events in the Philippines, citing the period between October and November 2024 when six tropical cyclones struck within a month, affecting 13 million people.

She particularly shared the story of Batangas fisherman Edwin Mendoza who risked his life to save others during a typhoon, only to return home and find his entire family lost in a landslide.

“Climate change is not just about statistics. It has a human face,” she said.

“A face that belongs to millions of families suffering the consequences of a crisis that they did not create,” she added.

Despite its status as a developing nation, First Lady Liza reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to climate action, highlighting the government’s goal of a 75-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and President Marcos’ National Adaptation Plan, which aims to bolster infrastructure and energy resilience.

However, she stressed that national efforts alone would not be enough.

“The unfortunate truth is that no country can solve this crisis alone. We need global solidarity,” Marcos said.