Philippines Pushes for Inclusive, Digital-ready ASEAN Society at OECD SEARP Ministerial Conference in Seoul
Top photo: Source: Delegates to the OECD SEARP 2nd Ministerial Conference held on 09 February in Korea; Bottom photo: Philippine Ambassador to Korea Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega heads Philippine delegation to the OECD - SEARP 2nd Ministerial Conference and delivered the Philippine intervention on building a smarter ASEAN for an inclusive future and ensuring green recovery towards a more resilient ASEAN.
PASAY CITY 09 March 2022 - Philippine Ambassador to Korea Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega underscored the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in achieving a digital-ready and inclusive society during the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP) 2nd Ministerial Conference held on 09 February 2022.
The Ambassador highlighted Philippine measures and initiatives in harnessing digital transformation for an inclusive future, welcomed OECD SEARP assistance to fast-track digital transformation in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia for economic recovery, emphasized the need for immediate action on climate change, noting that resilient recovery requires immediate and coordinated global efforts, as well as harmonizing of policies. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega also mentioned Philippines’ initiatives and priorities on the need for balance between the implementation of sustainable climate change actions and the pursuit of the country’s economic growth and development potential.
The Ministerial Conference also facilitated the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between OECD and ASEAN, which will help advance a strategic collaboration to ensure a smarter, greener, stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable ASEAN. OECD is committed to help Southeast Asian countries in addressing socio-economic challenges, prepare for net-zero emissions, and transition to a digital society.
Also part of the Philippine delegation to the Conference is DFA Assistant Secretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Eric Gerardo E. Tamayo as the alternate representative.
The OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme aims to provide a whole-of-government approach to countries in the region, fostering the exchange of good practices and mutual learning among policy makers in OECD and Southeast Asian countries. It supports the Southeast Asian region in its domestic priorities, policy reforms and regional integration efforts. END