Philippines Plays Key Role in The Revitalization of The Work of The UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons
Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo delivers national statement at the 4th UN Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the International Tracing Instrument
NEW YORK 03 July 2024 – Headed by Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo, the Philippine delegation to the 4th UN Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the International Tracing Instrument (RevCon4) championed several key initiatives on the consensus outcome document of the RevCon4, which reflects the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by small arms and light weapons.
“The Philippines remains committed to revitalizing the UNPoA,” said Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo during the high-level segment of general exchange of views. As a trusted partner, committed peacemaker and a credible pathfinder for solutions in the UN and in its effort to build partnerships for peace and sustainable development, the Philippines has been working to find enduring solutions for overcoming common challenges through dialogue, consensus-building, and collaborative problem-solving. These efforts are reflected in the country’s efforts to revitalize the UN Programme of Action on small arms and light weapons (PoA on SALW).
Among these initiatives are the critical linkages between mental health and gun violence, a groundbreaking inclusion in the outcome document which recognized that addressing mental health issues is paramount in global efforts to reduce gun-related incidents; importance of the PoA on SALW in the implementation of peace agreements; importance of regional roadmaps in the implementation of the UN PoA on SALW; and the reference to regular disposal of weapons beyond use which underscores the Philippines’ commitment to disarmament.
The Philippines also played a bridge-builder role among delegations, in the person of Third Secretary and First Committee Expert Diane Shayne D. Lipana, in realizing the establishment of the ‘Open-ended Technical Expert Group’ (OETEG). The OETEG is the first of its kind in the process of small arms and light weapons as it bridges technical issues and global response in addressing issues on the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons.
The RevCon4 successfully adopted a consensus outcome document after several days of extensive deliberations among delegations. The conference was presided by Permanent Representative Maritza Chan Valverde of Costa Rica. Third Secretary and First Committee Expert Diane Shayne D. Lipana served as one of the Vice- Presidents of the Conference, along with representatives from Argentina, Australia, Croatia, Egypt, El Salvador, Ghana, Latvia, Nepal, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, and Switzerland. END
Philippine delegation with H.E. Maritza Chan of Costa Rica, President of the 4th UN Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the International Tracing Instrument (Photo Credit: New York PM).
From left to right: Director of Philippine Center on Transnational Crime PLTCOL Reonel Sierra, Adviser Mitzi D. Austero, Philippine Mission to the UN First Committee Expert Diane Shayne D. Lipana, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitzu, Deputy to the Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Atty. Hazel I. Joves, Philippine Mission to the UN Attaché Jeanray A. Ringor, Senior Adviser to the Special Envoy on Transnational Crime MGEN Pedro Soria II, and Adviser Alfredo F. Lubang. (Photo Credit: New York PM).
For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.