Marcos to discuss economic recovery, food security at UN General Assembly

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Sunday said he will talk about his administration’s goal for economic recovery, food security, and agricultural productivity during the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

In his departure speech before he flew for New York at 8 a.m., the chief executive said he will be delivering the national statement on September 20, where he is expected to outline the Philippines’ expectations from the UN and the country’s role and contributions in strengthening international relations.

“The UN is where countries of the world congregate to discuss the most pressing challenges facing our people. Thus, it is important for us to participate in the General Assembly and to make certain that our voice is heard,” Marcos said.

He said he will “share the Philippines' vision in people-centered development” by highlighting the government’s thrust for economic recovery, food security, and agricultural productivity; and reaffirm the country's commitment to the ideals of the UN by citing its contributions to peaceful sentiments of disputes and of international law.

“Thirdly, present the crisis facing our world as opportunities for our nation to take meaningful actions rooted and united by a common purpose—to promote peace, prosperity and sustainable development,” he added.

Marcos said that during the trip, he will attend several bilateral meetings, business engagements, and meet with the Filipino community in the United States.

He will also meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other leaders of “long-standing and important partners” of the Philippines to talk about opportunities for stronger cooperation in food security, agriculture, renewable energy, and climate change.

“I will participate in business activities to forge more partnerships to advance our national, economic, and sustainable development in general. I will be joined in these meetings by key private sector representatives who have been and will continue to be our partners in this endeavor,” Marcos said.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Kira Christianne Danganan-Azucena on Thursday said Marcos will deliver the Philippine national statement "at the high level general debate" at 3:15 p.m. on September 20.

Azucena said more or less 152 heads of states and officials are expected to attend the general debate, in which Marcos is expected to meet some of them as well as other US officials.

She also said this trip is important as this marks Marcos' first engagement with the UN, which the Philippines considers as a significant multilateral organization.

Marcos' US trip also aims to bring investments for the country's economic recovery, according to Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Gonzaga.

Gonzaga said Marcos is set to speak at the Philippine Economic Briefing that aims to harvest investments for the Philippines.

“This briefing will be an opportunity to outline the key economic priorities of his administration with a special focus on how we can hopefully expand and strengthen Philippine-US trade and investment relations during his term.”

Marcos is also expected to participate in roundtables with targeted sectors, some US companies, the US Chamber of Commerce, the US-ASEAN Business Council, and the US-Philippines Society.

"The President intends to meet with US companies that would be able to contribute to our efforts to achieve food security, energy security, and sustainable economic development, among others," said Gonzaga.

Marcos will be back in the Philippines on September 24. —KG, GMA News