New york: The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to peace, sustainable development, and a rules-based international order as Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro delivered the country’s national statement during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) General Debate at the UN headquarters in New York.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro invoked the legacy of former Philippine diplomat General Carlos P. Romulo, who hailed the UN Charter as an achievement for all humanity at the San Francisco Conference in 1945. “Our faith in the UN Charter endures, as the international community celebrates the 80th anniversary of the United Nations,” she said.
Lazaro stressed the urgent need to resolve ongoing conflicts, calling for an end to the violence in Gaza through lasting ceasefires, restored humanitarian access, and renewed efforts toward a two-state solution. She also pressed for peace in Ukraine, emphasizing respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and highlighted humanitarian crises in Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.
The Philippines, she noted, is seeking a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2027-2028 to contribute to peace and security, drawing on its own peacebuilding experience in Mindanao. “Beyond stopping hostilities, peace is a just order, with individuals flourishing in dignity at its center,” Lazaro said, citing the success of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Reforms in global financing systems that perpetuate debt burdens and inequalities, especially for climate-vulnerable countries are needed, she said. She urged developed nations and multilateral development banks to fulfill their climate finance commitments.
Lazaro also announced the Philippines’ ratification of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), reinforcing the country’s adherence to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Her statement also highlighted the contributions of Filipino migrants, particularly 1.9 million seafarers who support global maritime trade, and called for stronger protection of migrant rights.
On technology, she acknowledged the potential of artificial intelligence but warned against its risks, urging safeguards to prevent misuse. She reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to human rights, climate diplomacy, pandemic response, and peacekeeping, recalling the country’s long history of engagement in UN missions.
Addressing maritime disputes, Lazaro reiterated that the Philippines remains committed to UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. She condemned “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous actions” in Philippine waters but emphasized that Manila continues to pursue diplomacy and peaceful settlement of disputes.
Concluding her statement, Lazaro echoed Romulo’s words at the first UNGA in 1945, affirming the Philippines’ shared destiny with the international community.