The world is presently facing an unprecedented number of challenges which have profound consequences on businesses, Prince Charles said yesterday as he addressed delegates at the closing of the Commonwealth Business Forum.
In a speech which was focused mostly on climate change and how this impacted businesses all over the world, he warned: “We do not have the right to test the planet’s tolerance. We do, however, have the responsibility to act now and build a truly resilient future and I am sure the Commonwealth and those here will play a critical part in this endeavour.”
Prince Charles is accompanying Queen Elizabeth II on a three-day state visit. It is the Prince’s first visit to Malta since the 1960s. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the Prince said, falls at a critical moment for mankind as the world struggles with population growth, migration, urbanisation and climate change. “Emerging trends will have profound consequences on businesses and will increase risks.
We look towards Paris and an agreement that will determine the survival of our species and all those who share this planet with us
“Changes, whether today, tomorrow or 20 years from now, will change your business. There are, thankfully, signs that things are being done to help business operate in this new environment.”
The Prince also called for improved blue and green economies and said he looked forward to the results coming out of Paris next week, where governments are expected to agree to an ambitious plan to decrease emissions and achieve the target of limiting temperature increases to two degrees Celsius.
“We look towards Paris and an agreement that will determine the survival of our species and all those who share this planet with us,” Prince Charles said.
Oceans and marine environment are also crucial to regulating climate change and it was crucial for the Commonwealth and, especially small island states, to ensure this would be at the top of the agenda, the Prince said.
Addressing Prince Charles, Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, who co-chaired the forum, said it was underpinned by discussions on sustainability and congratulated the Prince for being one of the first to come out and discuss sustainable development. He also congratulated him for his bravery as a champion of this cause.