It is usually a Christmas message being anticipated by the Brits, but this year’s speech of United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth resonated to the rest world as she touched efforts by the young generation of activists on environmental protection and climate change by recognizing them as campaigners who carry a “sense of purpose”.
The message of the 93-year old monarch also hits a nerve among Ilonggos who battled the impacts of climate change no less on the eve of Christmas as tropical cyclone Ursula (Phanfone) made a landfall in the Visayas region and hit the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Northern towns of Iloilo.
Relief efforts are still being undertaken in typhoon-stricken areas and with hundreds of families now displaced and who are at temporary shelters.
“The challenges many people face today may be different to those once faced by my generation,” said the Queen Elizabeth 3:12 minutes into the pre-recorded speech, “but I have been struck by how new generations have brought a similar sense of purpose to issues such as protecting our environment and our climate.”
The full message of the queen is captured on a 7:47 minute video by The Sun and uploaded on YouTube. Follow link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gbHO5TuLgY
Major online news platform were quick to highlight the dramatic contrast of the Queen’s speech to other world leaders who has attacked young climate change activists like Greta Thunberg who demanded immediate action and not lip service commitments.
The Queen also recognized workers on health and security sectors for keeping the people safe.
She highlighted a reminder that “all the giant leaps starts from small steps” and how a small step can make a difference in the world. She also emphasized the importance of coming together in the spirit of friendship and reconciliation.
“It is worth remembering that it is the small steps and not the giant leaps that bring about the most lasting change,” concluded Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas message.