PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. (PBBM) called for an end to racism and Asian hate as he pressed for fairness and equality not only of states but of all people.
“We still dream of an end to the disturbing incidents of racism, of Asian hate, of all prejudice,” he said at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).
Marcos said acceptable international systems should be fair and should work even for the “most vulnerable, especially the marginalized, migrants and refugees.”
He said the world is witness to the contributions of migrant workers, including in the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, despite a rise in incidents of hate crimes against Filipinos and other Asians since the pandemic started.
The incidents include unprovoked attacks in subways or streets where the victims are either punched, or stabbed. One of the latest cases involved a 74-year-old Filipino who was assaulted by another woman, unprovoked, while walking along Madison Avenue near 52nd Street in New York City. The Philippine consulate has monitored 43 race-based harassment cases and attacks involving Filipinos this year.
Marcos said the Philippines-United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights is an example of a “constructive approach that puts our people, not our politics, at the center of this work.”
“It provides a model for revitalizing the structures that facilitate solidarity between the United Nations and a sovereign duty-bearer,” he added.
The joint program also seeks to affirm the country’s commitment to human rights, the importance of free democratic space for civil society, as well as the principle of international cooperation.
FOOD SECURITY
The President said a lot has happened since the UN was founded in 1945 by 51 countries including the Philippines.
“The world is ready for transformation. It is up to us as leaders of our nations to move and shape that transformation… I say, let the challenges of one people be the challenges for all nations. And in that way, the success of one will be a success for us all,” he said as he emphasized that member-states should help each other in addressing pressing issues worldwide such as climate change and food security.
Marcos said food is not just a trade commodity but it is even the “very basis of human security.”
He said the recent pandemic and Russia-Ukraine conflict resulted in difficulties in accessing food worldwide.
“We need to take concrete steps towards modern and resilient agriculture. For food is not just a trade commodity nor is it just a livelihood. It is an existential imperative, and a moral one. It is the very basis of human security,” he said.
The President, who is concurrent Agriculture secretary, said the Philippines’ efforts to address food concerns include providing innovative solutions and financial support to farmers and fisherfolk to adopt new technologies and to connect to national and global value supply chains.
Marcos also said he hopes to forge cooperation with the UN and other partners to boost agricultural productivity and food security in the Philippines.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Marcos emphasized the need to protect water resources and address climate change.
“Water connects our world and sustains our existence, but it is also a finite resource that requires our stewardship. Equally important, our biodiversity must be protected amidst the continuing challenge of climate change. We must enhance our cooperation in these areas,” he said.
The President also called on more developed nations to do their part in addressing climate change and to consider the interest of all developing nations, including middle-income countries where the majority of the world’s poor lives, in all actions or decision that they make.
He urged them to fulfill their obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement to cut their greenhouse gas emissions, provide climate financing and technology transfer for adaptation for the most vulnerable, and developing countries to lead by example.
Marcos said climate change is the “greatest threat” affecting the nations and it “requires a united effort, one led by the United Nations” to address it.
“The effects of climate change are uneven and reflect a historical injustice. Those who are least responsible suffer the most,” he said.
He lamented that the Philippines’ is in such a vulnerable situation as it has become a “net carbon sink” that absorbs all carbon dioxide that are being emitted.
He said the Philippines now has even become the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change.
“We accept our share of responsibility and will continue to do our part to avert this collective disaster. This threat knows no borders, no social class, nor any geopolitical consideration. How we address it will be the true test of our time,” he added as he again emphasized the importance of unity — which was the core of his presidential campaign — but this time among nations.
The President, who is on his third foreign visit since becoming president on June 30, will be in the US until Friday.
