THE Philippines will champion the cause of peace, security and multilateralism in the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York City as it campaigns for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC) for 2027-2028, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said yesterday.
“PH will pledge itself as a champion of peace, security, human rights and sustainability thru inclusive, accountable, and empowering multilateralism. We will aim for impact in driving global action,” Manalo said a day after he arrived from Manila where he will lead the country’s delegation and the campaign for a non-permanent seat in the UNSC.
Manalo said he will also talk about climate change, health for all, and regional and global concerns during the September 22 to 29 gathering.
Manalo said he is confident Manila will be able to land a seat in the UNSC considering the Philippines has the track record of “being a dependable partner, pathfinder and peacemaker in world affairs.”
“An important mission for me as Secretary while attending this year’s high-level week is to campaign for the Philippines’ bid to a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028,” the DFA chief said in a statement Saturday.
Manalo said he will also join other world leaders in the “Summit of the Future,” where nations will “forge a new international consensus on how to deliver a better world for present and future generations.”
President Marcos Jr., after winning the presidential race in 2022, sought the UN’s support for the Philippines’ Security Council bid, citing the “success” of its peace treaty in Mindanao with Muslim separatists to promote the country’s candidacy.
In January this year, Marcos also thanked Hanoi for its “confirmed support” for Manila’s bid to get a non-permanent seat at the UNSC for 2027-2028.
The last time the country was able to land a seat as one of the 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC was in 2004-2005.
The UNSC is the organization’s most important body tasked to maintain international peace and security.
It has the “Big 5” countries composed of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia and China as the permanent members.
The current temporary members are Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates.
