at the World Governments Summit 2025
“Honourable heads of state, representatives representing various organizations, distinguished guests, dear journalists,
It gives me great pleasure to address this unique conference, which is being held at a critical juncture in human history and calls for unprecedented global cooperation.
My country is a beautiful island with a wonderful history, a present that dreams of a bright future, and a broad political and social knowledge of its citizens. The people of my country have a sense of empathy for any event that happens in any country in the world. They love tradition and are full of broad social knowledge to change wisely where it needs to change.
And if you search the internet on your mobile phone right now and ask, “Which country donates the most eyes in the world?” you will find the country I represent, located on the edge of the Indian subcontinent. That is Sri Lanka.
On behalf of the citizens of my country, I am proud to address you representing a country where such selfless, warm-hearted citizens live.
I firmly believe that this conference, which focuses on developing future strategies and plans in important areas related to humanity, will contribute to the well-being of the future world.
The problems we face today, at the national, regional, and global levels, are enormous and complex.
Some who do not recognize these issues, sail on their own selfish journey. But when today’s isolated issues become tomorrow’s issues knocking on the doors of the entire world, they end their isolated journey.
Therefore, I would like to draw your attention once again to the need for us to come together as global citizens to address challenges that transcend borders.
There is a need for collective global action and a united front to address these challenges.
Improving the accountability and efficiency of governance is essential for the future world. It is something that must be taught to citizens to bring them together as individuals and as a collective effort.
The structure of government institutions and the need for accountability and responsibility for their processes will decisively affect the future world.
Social justice and the rule of law are essential to a functioning state and a prosperous world. It is essential to implement agreements and laws in a proper manner, to provide systematic support to low-income and vulnerable communities, and to provide opportunities for a free media and civil society to hold officials accountable.
The emergence of digital access rights, environmental rights, and new rights that were not included in the 1948 Human Rights Agenda, and changing political systems, demand an updated Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I am reminded at this moment of the need to be sensitive to this and to intervene.
In building a global community based on sustainable values, it is important to maintain respect for the world’s diverse cultural traditions.
Given that nearly 60 percent of the world’s poorest countries are either in debt crisis or at high risk of one, they are struggling to envision their future amidst a challenging global economy. These nations face tightening global financing conditions, significant upcoming debt obligations, and the threat of an expanding sovereign debt crisis. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to implement financial reforms that are fair and adaptable to the realities of the modern world.
At the same time, we are moving towards the dire consequences of uncontrolled industrial growth, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and severe pollution, which are more frightening than a monstrous asteroid hurtling towards Earth at light years.
Although developed countries have historically contributed three-quarters of carbon dioxide emissions, they are far less exposed to the impacts of climate change. Although the crown of development is far away, the charm of many naturally beautiful low-income countries is being destroyed by the waste of others.
The beautiful coastlines of such countries and islands have become victims of those disasters. If you visit our country at some point in your life, you will be amazed by the coastline surrounding the country. As a country, we are making great efforts to protect the beautiful coastlines of our country.
The digital revolution has already transformed the way people live, work, and communicate. We must not forget that the same technologies that have the potential to help billions of people live happier, healthier, and more productive lives are also creating new challenges for citizens and governments around the world.
Very simply, think of a computer virus. It is a threat that we face today through cyberattacks, a threat that is more serious than a shot from a gun barrel, a bomb dropped from an airplane, or even the nuclear attacks of the past. There are international laws against targeting civilians in conventional armed wars. Shouldn’t there be such laws for cyberwarfare?
Meanwhile, over the next two decades, several health challenges are likely to persist and expand due to population growth, urbanization, and antimicrobial resistance.
As humans, we are inextricably linked. For over a year, a virus has forced the vast majority of humanity to wear face masks. It has put severe strain on the world’s most powerful nations, from the poorest to the most powerful.
Also, 2024 saw an increase or resurgence of several infectious diseases.
Among non-communicable diseases, cancer has an extraordinary impact on lives. Even now, there are millions of cancer patients who are hovering between life and death. Heart disease, which invades lives regardless of borders, has become a terrible disaster. Health experts predict that by 2030, the economic cost of mental illness worldwide could exceed $16 trillion.
It is predicted that there could be an additional 14.5 million deaths by 2050 due to the climate crisis.
It is very important to focus primarily on digital health, new technologies and modern health equipment, environmental health and sustainability, and health financing support for economically vulnerable countries.
Honoured guests,
You may represent the Middle East. You may also represent Africa, Asia, Europe, or the West. But…, the problems we all face, and the song “Love Dup” that rises from our hearts, appeals to us to come together and build the world.
“We must learn to live together as brothers,” Martin Luther King once said.
We shared a goal with the people of our country. That is, let’s come together to build a “beautiful life and a prosperous country.” Historically, they approved it.
At this historic summit, I appeal to you, “Let us come together and create a beautiful life and a beautiful world.”
Thank you very much everyone.