PH Reaffirms Commitment to South-South Cooperation at the BAPA+40 Conference in Argentina
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia speaks at the Second High-Level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation (Executive Director Roberto G. Manalo photo)
BUENOS AIRES 22 March 2019 — The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to enhanced cooperation among developing countries at the Second High-Level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation, also known as the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA)+40 Conference, on 20 March 2019 in Buenos Aires, Argentina
“As a middle-income country, the Philippines assumes its twin responsibility of using resources wisely to sustain its high growth trajectory, while at the same time dedicating efforts to help less developed countries in their own journey to progress,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Ernesto M. Pernia said as he delivered the Philippine statement.
According to the Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, the Philippines will continue to provide assistance to its friends in Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the larger Asia Pacific region and enhance engagement in Latin America and Africa as much as resources allow.
Through the Technical Cooperation Council of the Philippines and other government agencies, the Philippines will share its know-how and best practices in agriculture, science and technology, education, MSMEs, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and disaster risk reduction.
“The ultimate objective is to help improve lives through capacity-building projects addressing issues ranging from livelihood to industry-level deficiencies,” Secretary Pernia added.
The BAPA+40 Conference is a gathering of heads of state/government and ministers to take stock of South-South cooperation initiatives in the past four decades, with a view to implementing an inclusive strategy that effectively leverages South-South and triangular approaches to achieving sustainable development goals. It is also convened on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the BAPA. END