Carlos G. Dominguez
Secretary of Finance
Thank you for making time to attend today’s Sulong Pilipinas workshop.
The global health emergency has been very difficult for all of us, especially the youth. But beyond this pandemic, the world is transforming quickly. Big changes are coming and we need you to be part of those changes.
The next period will be one of multifold challenges. We have a country to redeem from the ravages of the pandemic. We have an economy to rebuild. On top of these, we have a planet to save from the carelessness of past generations.
Climate change is happening. It is real. We see its effects in our daily lives.
People do not realize it, but climate change will hit us like a tsunami if we continue to do nothing about this worsening crisis. It could wipe away all our economic gains in one go if we fail to mitigate it.
As climate change intensifies over time, it is you–the young people of today–who will face its worst effects.
As bearers of the future, the youth–who will have to live through 2030 and beyond–have the greatest stake in overcoming this crisis. It is therefore very important that you understand this issue and take the lead in reversing this destructive course.
Our greatest defense in this battle is climate literacy. It is for this reason that we will be utilizing Sulong Pilipinas as a platform to raise public awareness and spur climate action among the biggest stakeholders of the future.
Today, we recognize and celebrate the crucial role of the youth in our society. You are the last generation that can end the climate crisis.
In crafting your recommendations on how we can save the only planet that we have, I encourage you to reimagine everything. You are capable of coming up with ambitious, creative, and doable ideas that can make a lasting difference.
We need your determination to build a greener, healthier, and climate-resilient future. We want you to use your talents, knowledge, and passion to achieve our climate ambition.
Your fresh insights and perspectives will be valuable in the formation of government policies today that will help shape the course of your future.
Let us now begin this Sulong Pilipinas workshop. We are very eager to listen to what you have to say. We are very excited to hear the voices of change.
Thank you.
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