During the UN General Assembly’s high-level segment, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo advocated for multilateralism and reforms in international relations to confront global challenges. Emphasizing the adoption of a “Pact for the Future,” he highlighted the necessity for collective action on issues like climate change and geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippines remains committed to an international rules-based order and collaborative solutions to pressing global problems.
The Philippine government advocates for multilateralism in resolving international conflicts during the recent United Nations high-level assembly. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo presented the nation’s viewpoints at the General Debate of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the collective call among member states to revitalize the United Nations agenda. This followed the adoption of the “Pact for the Future,” aiming to focus efforts on pressing global challenges such as the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, humanitarian crises, climate change, poverty, inequalities, and disruptive technologies. Secretary Manalo underscored the necessity for reforms in multilateralism to effectively address these international crises and achieve developmental goals. He reaffirmed the Philippines’ dedication as a founding UN member to collaborate with other nations in pursuit of global solutions. Additionally, Manalo rejected narratives framing the South China Sea as a realm of major power tensions, advocating for adherence to the rule of law to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. The Secretary pledged the country’s consistent commitment to an international rules-based order, a sentiment echoed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. During his address, Manalo reiterated the Philippines’ compliance with the UN Charter and the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Resolution of Disputes, particularly in asserting its rights in the South China Sea. He led the Philippine delegation to various high-level meetings, which occurred from September 22 to September 28, 2024. Moreover, he represented the Philippines at the Summit of the Future prior to the high-level week, where member states adopted the consensus document entitled “Pact for the Future.” This agreement outlines 52 action points aimed at mobilizing multilateral efforts to tackle the most urgent global issues. Secretary Manalo articulated that the “Pact for the Future is a testament that global problems require global solutions and that a better world is possible when States commit to working together towards a common vision.” Additionally, he highlighted the Philippines’ proactive role in addressing the severe impacts of climate change, urging developed nations to meet their obligations under the UN Climate Change Convention and the Paris Agreement. He emphasized the Philippines’ vulnerable position to climate change, advocating for enhanced resilience against climate disasters. Throughout the assembly, Secretary Manalo participated in various high-level meetings, such as the group of Friends of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate focusing on Leadership for Peace, and others. He engaged with leaders from numerous countries, reinforcing the collective pursuit of global stability and cooperation.
The context surrounding this article involves the increasingly complex landscape of international relations, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions and global challenges such as climate change, humanitarian crises, and economic inequality. The United Nations plays a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue and collaboration among member states, but recent years have seen calls for a reinvigoration of its processes. The Philippines, as a founding member, actively advocates for multilateralism as a necessary framework for addressing these multifaceted issues. The concept of multilateralism prioritizes cooperative approaches among multiple nations in pursuit of collective solutions, reinforcing the idea that global problems cannot be solved unilaterally.
In conclusion, the Philippine government, represented by Secretary Enrique Manalo, has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism at the 79th UN General Assembly. By promoting a cooperative international order, the Philippines strives to address current global challenges, emphasizing the need for reforms within multilateral frameworks. The nation’s stance against geopolitical rivalries in the South China Sea illustrates its dedication to fostering peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, the engagement of the Philippines with other nations underscores its role as an active participant in seeking global solutions to pressing issues such as climate change and humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.manilatimes.net
