PH Renews Support for UN Peacekeeping Operations and Announces Pledges at 2023 UN Ministerial Meeting

Family photo of the Heads of Delegation to the 2023 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial, 5-6 December 2023, Accra, Ghana with Ghanaian Vice President H.E. Mahamudu Bawumia (Photo courtesy of UNPKOMM Secretariat)

ACCRA 20 December 2023 – The Philippines renewed its commitment to maintain peace and security by contributing to Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs) at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting held in Accra, Ghana on 5-6 December 2023.

Head of the Philippine Delegation, Hon. Angelito M. de Leon, Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development, Department of National Defense (DND), stressed the plans of the Philippines to increase its contributions to UN PKOs, promoting the rule of law and peace and stability.

Delivering the Philippine statement, Undersecretary de Leon underscored that, “This year marks the 60th anniversary of Philippine participation in UN peacekeeping operations…since we sent our troops to Congo in 1963. [As] a peacemaker, our proud tradition of 60 years has seen over 14,000 Filipino troops to 21 UN peacekeeping and special political missions. Today, we reiterate our readiness to increase our engagement in peacekeeping operations. We pledge to increase our contribution to UN Peacekeeping Operations around the world…as our contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security.”

He outlined the pledges of the Philippines, such as deployment of one (1) Quick Reaction Force Company and one (1) Military Engineering Company, UN-certified Trainers for UN Mobile Training Teams, UN Military Experts on Mission, as well as police units.

Further, he requested the support of UN Member States for the Philippine bid to the United Nations Security Council for term 2027-2028 and the readiness of the country to assume such a role. “As a trusted partner, innovative pathfinder, and committed peacemaker, the Philippines is motivated to play an active role in securing lasting peace, freedom, and prosperity in our world community.”

Undersecretary de Leon also held bilateral meetings with the representatives of Nigeria, Cyprus, Bangladesh, Ghana, Fiji, New Zealand, France, Latvia, Mongolia, and Slovenia.

Undersecretary de Leon recognized increasing challenges in responding to regional conflicts and the need to learn from each other’s experiences. Nigeria Defense Minister H.E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar and Ghana Foreign Minister H.E. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway who both acknowledged the role of the Philippines in peacekeeping operations and committed to further exploring areas of collaboration. 

In his meetings with Defense Minister H.E. Michalis Georgalis of Cyprus, and Defense Minister of Mongolia H.E. Saikhanbaya Gursed, Undersecretary de Leon emphasized the successful transition from insurgency to peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the ongoing plans for the 2025 elections.

During the UN PKO Ministerial Meeting, held for the first time on the African continent, the Philippine Delegation also participated in side events on environmental sustainability and women and peacekeeping. END