Foreign Affairs Secretary: The Success of the Philippines is the Success of the UN

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo urges all stakeholders in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to work together towards a sustainable future. (Photo by DFA-OPCD)

PASAY CITY, 28 November 2022 — “Through our [the Philippines’] contributions, we seek not only to enable the UN to cope with seismic transitions but to spark breakthroughs in cooperation that are needed in these extraordinary times,” said Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo when he addressed representatives from various Philippine government agencies, members of the diplomatic community, and heads of international organizations during the United Nations (UN) Day reception at the Department of Foreign Affairs on 24 November 2022.

In his remarks, the Secretary highlighted the Philippines’ active role in shaping the UN since its establishment in 1945. Apart from being a founding member of the organization, the Philippines continues to champion priorities such as climate change, gender equality, human rights, migration, and food security.

“As a pioneering member of this esteemed organization, the Philippines was not simply invited to join the club. We helped build it. The success of the Philippines is the success of the UN,” said the Secretary.

The Secretary underscored the important role the Philippines plays in strengthening the UN and the multilateral system in the coming years. He called for stronger collaboration and better coordination between the Philippines and the UN Country Team through more frequent consultations between the country and the UN in the development of the new Partnership Framework for Sustainable Development (PFSD).

The PFSD is a nationally-led strategy co-created by the Philippines and the UN to ensure that the UN’s programs and initiatives support the Philippines’ national development goals. The document harmonizes the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Philippine Development Plan, and AmBisyon 2040.

“Neither the Philippines nor the UN alone can single handedly confront today’s challenges. Working together, complementing each other’s strengths, and pursuing a sustainable future side by side remains the only way forward,” said Secretary Manalo, underscoring the need for a more inclusive and collaborative approach in addressing development challenges.

Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator also delivered a message during the event. Mr. Gonzalez highlighted lessons learned by the Philippines and the UN in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and implementing reforms in the UN Development System to make the UN more responsive to the needs of Filipinos. Mr. Gonzalez echoed the Secretary’s call for stronger partnerships between the Philippines and the UN to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. END