The Queen has urged world leaders to act not for ‘ourselves but for our children and our children’s children’ as she delivered a highly anticipated message by video to the opening sessions of COP26 in Glasgow.
After being forced to pull out from attending the conference in person on doctors’ orders, in a pre-recorded message from Windsor Castle, The Queen has addressed world leaders at COP26, urging them to take immediate action on tackling climate change.
The Queen told world leaders to take the long view and take the opportunity to look at the future with determination and a desire to address climate change, answering the calls of younger people.
In what was a poignant message of hope and encouragement, and quite surprisingly a personal one, the focus of the speech turned on the legacy the summit will leave behind and stressed the importance and impact actions taken today can have on future generations.
As governments come together, The Queen has encouraged leaders to rise above politics and show true statesmanship as it is time for them to set an actionable plan that will benefit those following our footsteps since words are not enough.
In a deeply personal and loving tribute to her late husband, The Queen also praised the work of Prince Charles and her grandson Prince William on climate change as they follow the steps of Prince Philip. In his pioneering role in environmentalism, wildlife and conservation, the late Duke of Edinburgh championed and advocated for climate change long before the topic turned political. He became the first President of World Wildlife Fund and was involved in many conservation efforts throughout his lifetime.
The Queen’s full speech can be viewed below.
