Philippines Reaffirms Enduring Commitment to Multilateralism at the United Nations
NEW YORK 25 April 2025 — The Philippines participated in the commemoration of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace under the theme “The Transformative Power of Unity: Advancing Multilateralism and Diplomacy for a Better Future of Peace and Development for All” on 21 April 2025.
The event, organized by the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations, highlights the significance of the UN General Assembly resolution 73/127, which established the International Day, observed annually on April 24th, to reaffirm the enduring relevance of the Charter of the United Nations and the value of multilateralism and diplomacy. The event aims to celebrate 80 years of UN achievements, provide a platform for dialogue on the role of multilateralism in addressing current global challenges, and advocate for a more inclusive, representative, and reformed international order, particularly empowering the Global South.
Chargé d’affaires and Deputy Permanent Representative Leila C. Lora-Santos of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines delivered an intervention reaffirming the Philippines’ enduring commitment to multilateralism and the UN Charter. CDA Lora-Santos stressed the Philippines’ view that multilateralism is the only viable platform to tackle global challenges, stressing the need to uphold the UN Charter and international law. She also emphasized the importance of peaceful settlement of international disputes, the role of international tribunals, and active engagement in UN mechanisms. In this regard, she spotlighted the 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law Concerning Friendly Relations among States and the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes as UN instruments, adopted by consensus, that have exemplified the transformative power of unity.
CDA Lora-Santos also highlighted the Philippines commitment as a bridge-builder in multilateral processes, advocating for inclusive cooperation and a rules-based international order amid shifting global dynamics.
“The Philippines has and will always contribute to efforts and initiatives to make multilateralism more constructive, more inclusive, and fairer; working for the benefit of all; and faithful to the principles of equality, non-aggression, non-interference, and peaceful coexistence”, CDA Lora-Santos said.
The event featured remarks from distinguished panelists, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic engagement and multilateral action in addressing global issues like climate change, poverty, and conflict, as well as celebrating the power of collective action in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
On 12 December 2018, the General Assembly adopted the resolution, "International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace" (A/RES/73/127) by a recorded vote of 144 in favor to 2 against. By that text, the General Assembly invites all Member States, observers and organizations of the United Nations to observe the International Day in an appropriate manner and to disseminate the advantages of multilateralism and diplomacy for peace, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities. END
For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.