Secretary Manalo Engages with Raisina Young Fellows at the 10th Raisina Dialogue, Emphasizes Importance of Multilateral Cooperation and Rule of Law

Secretary  Enrique A. Manalo addressing the Raisina Young Fellows interactive dialogue at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi

NEW DELHI 18 March 2025 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo engaged in a dynamic and insightful dialogue with the Raisina Young Fellows today, as part of the Raisina Dialogue’s youth engagement initiative. The session is part of Secretary Manalo’s ongoing activities on the sidelines of the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025.

Hosted by the Observer Research Foundation, the interactive dialogue brought together this year’s cohort of Raisina Young Fellows—a diverse group of over 50 emerging leaders from policy, the private sector, government, and academia, representing over 45 countries. Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and Chairman of the Parliament Standing Committee on External Affairs, moderated the session and facilitated a fruitful exchange of ideas.

In his opening remarks, Secretary Manalo emphasized the importance of the rule of law in addressing global challenges. He highlighted key issues including the evolving geopolitical landscape, multilateralism, South-South cooperation, climate change, and the central role of ASEAN in tackling regional issues. Secretary Manalo reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to strengthening international partnerships and supporting a rules-based international order, emphasizing the need for inclusive dialogue, cooperation, and innovative solutions to resolve urgent global problems.

The discussion also included thought-provoking questions from the fellows on topics such as regional security, economic development, and the Philippines’ significant role in the broader Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Manalo stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing “transcendent challenges,” including climate change, transformative technologies, persistent inequalities, and rising strategic competition.

On the subject of the South China Sea, Secretary Manalo reiterated the Philippines’ firm stance on upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. He acknowledged India’s important role in the region and expressed gratitude for India’s strong support of the 2016 Arbitral Award. Secretary Manalo emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to a diplomatic and peaceful resolution of the dispute, ensuring that it would not come at the expense of the country’s sovereign rights and national interests.

Secretary Manalo was accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F. Ignacio. END

Secretary  Enrique A. Manalo with Session Chair, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, interacting with Raisina Young Fellows

Secretary Manalo with Amb. Josel Ignacio, along with the session Chair, Mr. Tharoor.

Raisina Young Fellows participants from over 40 countries with Secretary Manalo.