Prince William Urges World Leaders to Protect the Planet for Future Generations

On November 6, 2025, Prince William represented his father, King Charles, and the UK government at the World Leaders Summit, which is part of the COP30 talks in Belém, Brazil. In his speech, William delivered a message of hope and optimism, calling for urgent action to address the climate crisis and safeguard the natural world for future generations.

William opened his address in Portuguese, thanking President Lula and Governor Barbalho for the warm welcome to Belém. He then emphasized that it is this generation's responsibility to protect the planet for their children and grandchildren. "Our children and grandchildren will stand on the shoulders of our collective action," he said, urging leaders to rise to the occasion with courage, collaboration, and decisive commitment.

The prince highlighted the disastrous impact of simultaneous floods, fires, and droughts in Brazil two years ago, as well as the devastating floods he witnessed in the Welsh town of Pontypridd during a visit with his wife, Kate Middleton, earlier this year. These experiences, he said, have deeply moved him and underscored the need for immediate action.

William also celebrated the leadership of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in protecting the planet, and called for a future where nature is valued and every child inherits a world of prosperity, not peril. "Let us be the generation that turned the tide," he said, "not for applause, but for the quiet gratitude of those yet to be born."

As the founder of the Earthshot Prize, a global initiative to accelerate and spotlight innovative solutions to environmental challenges, William shared his inspiration from the bold ideas he has witnessed. He urged leaders to consider the legacy they want to leave and the impact their choices will have on the safety, livelihoods, and the natural world that sustains us all.