Marcos touts advocacy for rule of law, peace as PH inks cooperation with UN

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that the Philippines' advocacy for the rule of law and peace would further pave the way for improved engagement with the United Nations.

Marcos made the remark during the signing of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2024-2028.

"Our advocacies in the Indo-Pacific and in the global arena for the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes also provide opportunities for a more substantive engagement with the United Nations," Marcos said in his speech.

"These novel aspects of the UNSDCF show how our partnership has evolved. It is now infused with a more mature and outward-looking synergy of efforts, serving the interests of both the Philippines and the United Nations as we work for a safer and more prosperous world," he added.

Marcos said the UNSDCF, which covers the period of 2024 to 2028, is oriented to support the government policies and priorities embodied in the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, the Philippine Development Plan and the AmBisyon Natin.

He also mentioned that the UNSDCF "signifies our role in shaping more inclusive and effective multilateral institutions that embrace and bring tangible results to us all."

"The UNSDCF also acknowledges how the Philippines’ best practices and experience, which we have established over decades can help the achievement of the SDG agenda elsewhere through South-South Cooperation platforms," Marcos said.

He added that UN recognizes the Philippines' "peacebuilding milestones in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao."

The President also lauded the Department of Foreign Affairs, the National Economic and Development Authority, and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office for crafting the latest framework that aims to deepen, expand, and elevate the partnership between the Philippines and the United Nations.

Signing the framework were DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Gustavo González as the Resident Coordinator of the UN in the Philippines.

The strategic priorities of the UNSDCF 2024-2028 are human capital development, sustainable economic development, climate action, and environmental sustainability, among others.—LDF, GMA Integrated News