PH to campaign for Security Council seat at UNGA 79 – DFA

MANILA – Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will campaign for the Philippines' bid for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat during the high-level meetings at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79) next week.

In a statement on Saturday, Manalo said Manila is "making positive headway" in its campaign and is confident with its "proven track record of being a dependable partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker in world affairs."

Manalo will be leading the Philippine delegation to the UNGA 79 High-Level Week (HLW) and related meetings taking place in New York City from Sept. 22 to 29.

He will deliver the Philippine statement during the UNGA General Debate on behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and present the country's advocacies and priorities in line with the UNGA 79 agenda.

"The Philippines is committed to strengthening the United Nations' role in addressing today's complex crises, such as conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, climate change, economic inequality, and emerging threats in digital, geopolitical, space, and maritime domains," he said.

"As we have demonstrated throughout our 79 years of membership in the UN, the Philippines stands ready to contribute to a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable world for present and future generations," he added.

The HLW will serve as a platform for states to deliberate on and commit to addressing pressing international issues, such as climate change, health, global security, and attaining the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Before the HLW, Manalo will participate in the Summit of the Future, a high-level event gathering world leaders to forge "a new international consensus on how to deliver a better world for present and future generations."

He said the summit, under the theme "Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow," aims to strengthen global cooperation in addressing the most pressing challenges confronting the world today.

"During the Summit, we eagerly anticipate the adoption of the Pact for the Future as a pivotal step towards revitalizing multilateralism and steering global cooperation towards a shared vision of peace, security, and sustainable development," he said.

Manalo will be joined by Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and other ranking government officials that include Heath Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire, National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos, and Climate Change Commission Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera.

On the sidelines of the general debate, Manalo will also hold bilateral meetings with senior leaders and foreign ministers from various countries, including UN General Assembly President and former Prime Minister of Cameroon Philémon Yang and UN Secretary General António Guterres.

Manila will also co-organize and co-host high-level panel discussions on the High Seas Treaty, and Environmental Violations and Crimes, as well as the launch of the Friends of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) towards significant practical contributions to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. (PNA)