World has a ‘golden opportunity’, says Charles
THE PRINCE of Wales has warned that the world has a oneoff “golden opportunity” to seize something good from the coronavirus pandemic, as he launched The Great Reset project.
Charles joined the World Economic Forum’s virtual Covid Action Platform meeting to unveil the initiative, which is designed to ensure businesses “build back better” as they begin to recover from the crisis. The prince, who has been championing environmental causes for decades, stressed the need not to miss the chance for a green recovery and a more sustainable future, urging people to “think big and act now”.
Charles, in a video call from his Scottish home Birkhall, said: “We have a golden opportunity to seize something good from this crisis.
“Its unprecedented shockwaves may well make people more receptive to big visions of change, and global crises like pandemics and climate change know no borders, and highlight just how interdependent we are as one people sharing one planet.
“Over the past month or so, despite the ongoing crisis, I’ve been encouraged to see the growing calls for a green recovery.”
He added: “As we move from rescue to recovery, therefore, we have a unique but rapidly shrinking window of opportunity to learn lessons and reset ourselves on a more sustainable path.
“It is an opportunity we have never had before and may never have again.
“So we must use all the levers we have at our disposal, knowing that each and every one of us has a vital role to play.”
Clarence House said The Great Reset has been designed as “an urgent call to action with a vision to reimagine, rebuild, redesign, reinvigorate and rebalance the world” and will serve as a global hub for “thought leadership and practical solutions”.
Meanwhile, the Queen is expected to attend the first major royal event since the lockdown began – celebrations marking her official birthday.
With the country beginning to emerge from weeks of selfconfinement, Buckingham Palace has confirmed a small military ceremony will be staged at Windsor Castle in honour of the Queen.
The Daily Mail reported the military event will be staged on Saturday, June 13 and involve troops from the Welsh Guards.
‘I’ve been encouraged to see the calls for a green recovery.’