President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasized that global climate challenges affect all individuals, regardless of their economic status, and that collective action as global citizens is essential to address these borderless issues.
Delivering his address at the 2025 World Government Summit held in the United Arab Emirates today (12), President Dissanayake highlighted Sri Lanka’s vision for economic growth, innovation, and governance reforms, underlining the country’s commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation.
The President stressed that the summit serves as a driving force for shaping future strategies in key areas concerning humanity. He underscored the necessity of unified global action to tackle shared challenges effectively.
Furthermore, President Dissanayake reiterated that social justice and the rule of law are fundamental to establishing a normative state and a functional global order. He emphasized the importance of properly implementing agreements and laws, providing systematic support to low-income and vulnerable communities, and ensuring accountability of officials through free media and social activism.
He also called for an updated Universal Declaration of Human Rights, incorporating digital access rights and environmental rights, to reflect contemporary global needs.
Addressing economic concerns, President Dissanayake pointed out the growing difficulties in global economic financing, the burden of large debt repayments, and the inadequacy of the current international financial system in managing a widespread sovereign debt crisis. He highlighted the urgent need for financial reforms that align with modern economic realities.
Speaking on human-centric future development, the President underscored the importance of strengthening global cybersecurity measures. He also stressed the need for structured programs to support workers displaced by automation, advocating for global leaders to collaborate on initiatives that promote education, skill development, and new employment opportunities.
Concluding his speech, President Dissanayake remarked, “The problems we all face, as well as the ‘Love Dub’ song in our hearts, are calling for us to come together and build the world.”
Quoting Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “We must learn to live together as brothers,” he noted that the people of Sri Lanka also united in 2024 to build a more harmonious and prosperous future.
