Philippines at UN Development Summit: Sustainable is Attainable
Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals at UN Headquarters in New York on 18 September 2023.
NEW YORK 20 September 2023 – “The Philippines is ready to play its part so that ‘sustainable is attainable’ and… the SDGs become a lasting reality for all,” declared Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo when he addressed Heads of States and Governments at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York during the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit on 18-19 September 2023.
During the Summit, Member States adopted a Political Declaration of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, marking a new phase of accelerated implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Secretary Manalo also expressed condolences and solidarity with the victims of the devastating earthquake in Morocco and floods in Libya.
The Political Declaration promotes a common understanding among Member States on the urgency and need for transformative actions leading up to 2030. It also reflects key Philippine priorities including recognition of the positive role and contribution of migrants to sustainable development and the necessity of revitalizing global partnerships and increasing solidarity, especially for developing countries, to successfully implement the SDGs.
Secretary Manalo delivered his remarks during the Leaders’ Dialogue with the theme, “Building resilience and leaving no one behind,” focused on tackling socioeconomic inequalities and improving the well-being of vulnerable and marginalized groups to foster inclusiveness and resilience globally.
Secretary Manalo addresses Heads of States and Governments at the SDG Summit held during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week in New York.
“As a middle-income country highly vulnerable to disasters, we utilize a ‘well-being lens’ approach through which efforts on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction contribute to increased income and decent work opportunities, improved and inclusive quality public health and education, and enhanced skills and human capital for innovation and resilience,” stated Manalo.
The Secretary highlighted President Ferdinand Marcos’ 8-point Agenda and the Philippine Development Plan that could serve as blueprints for nations to build resilience and ensure no one is left behind. He also urged the international community to work together to future-proof disaster prone regions and the world from future shocks.
The Philippines takes a leadership role in these discussions as it will host the 2024 Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction as a platform for stakeholders to share best practices and experiences in building resilience.
Secretary Manalo is currently leading the Philippine Delegation for the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly High Level Week that culminates in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.”
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