Philippines Champions Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Development of Middle-Income Countries at the 81st ESCAP Session

Delegates from various nations gather at the ESCAP Hall in Thailand as the Philippine resolution on the sustainable development of middle-income countries is adopted (Photo courtesy of ESCAP)

BANGKOK 02 May April 2025 — The Philippines led efforts towards the successful adoption of a landmark resolution on Middle-Income Countries (MICs) at the 81st Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on 25 April 2025 in Thailand.

Entitled, “Advancing the Sustainable Development of Middle-Income Countries in Asia and the Pacific,” the resolution gives middle-income countries in the Asia-Pacific region a voice and fosters cooperation in addressing their unique development challenges.

Middle-Income Countries comprise over 100 countries worldwide, representing more than 70% of the world’s population and contributing to one-third of global GDP. Middle-income countries often face a unique “middle-income trap,” where progress and development slows down before reaching high-income status, primarily due to structural inequalities, limited fiscal space, and vulnerability to external shocks. The  challenges of middle-income countries highlight the necessity for targeted international support and cooperation.

During the adoption of the Philippine-sponsored resolution, Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ESCAP, underscored that this resolution is a milestone for ESCAP as it sets “a clear path forward for enhanced regional cooperation and dialogue that addresses the specific challenges, concerns, and needs of Middle-Income Countries.”

Middle-income countries also play a vital role in international development efforts. Drawing from their own development experiences and knowledge, middle-income countries have become key partners in sharing technical expertise, building capacities, and mobilizing resources to help Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States overcome systemic challenges, through South-South and Triangular Cooperation. 

This resolution reflects the Philippines’ active engagement in multilateral diplomacy and its efforts towards shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. The resolution was co-sponsored by Armenia, Fiji, India, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, and Türkiye.

Looking ahead, the Philippines is hosting the High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries in Manila on 28-29 April 2025, in partnership with ESCAP, UN Development Program (UNDP), UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in the Philippines. The conference will serve as a platform for renewed solidarity and deeper cooperation among middle-income countries and development partners in the region. END

For more information, visit https://www.bangkokpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinThailand/.