Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, noted her country’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the term 2027-2028, saying that it would take into account the views and concerns of all Member States and other UN organs.  “We seek to be a part of it to advance the cause of global peace, with the depth of experience earned from our struggles for peace.”   The Philippines’ success in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao demonstrates that peacebuilding, though sometimes arduous and long, gives communities their rightful future, she said.

Reforms to the development financing system are long overdue, she continued.  Multilateral processes must confront the growing gap between climate ambition and means of implementation, while developed countries must fulfil their financial obligations.  Multilateral development banks must also do their part.  “We need to rebalance decision-making power in global financial institutions,” she said, stating that developing countries must be co-architects of systems that determine allocation, eligibility and accountability of development financing.

She emphasized the positive role of Filipino migrants across the world, stating that the movement of people across borders sustains growth in countries of origin, transit and destination alike.  “As migrants link our nations, their rights and dignity should be a gathering point, not a fault line, for Governments.”  She went on to say that the Philippines regards the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as fundamental to its future.  While its ships and fisherfolk remain at the receiving end of illegal, coercive, aggressive actions, it abides by that instrument as reinforced by the binding 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea.