Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 23)— President Rodrigo Duterte has called on the United Nations to implement bold reforms to effectively address present-day challenges, including those brought about by the current COVID-19 crisis.
In his first appearance before the UN General Assembly on Wednesday morning (Philippine time), Duterte urged the international body to do away with the “business as usual” approach, citing the need to transition to the so-called “new normal” amid the pandemic.
“To defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges, we must work with seamless unity which demands complete mutual trust and the conviction that we will win or lose together,” Duterte said in his pre-recorded speech, addressing the leadership of the 193-member bloc. “To make significant changes, we need to be bold.”
“Indeed, to be ready for the new global normal, it cannot be business as usual for the UN. Let us empower UN – reform it – to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow,” the chief executive added.
Specifically, Duterte called for the streamlining of the processes and operations of the UN, including the strengthening of the role of the General Assembly.
With stronger reforms, the organization would be able to effectively address issues surrounding the globe— including peace and security, justice, human rights, and social progress, Duterte said.
The President likewise appealed to some UN member nations gathered to “not hate each other too much” despite geopolitical tensions.
“Just as we needed stability and confidence because of the pandemic, geopolitical tensions continue to rise. Escalating tensions benefit no one,” Duterte said in his 20-minute address to the UNGA, which for the first time is being held virtually.
“I therefore call on the stakeholders in the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East and Africa: if we cannot be friends as yet, then in God’s name, let us not hate each other too much,” he added.
Duterte, in his debut at the global body’s 75th general debate, likewise touched on other issues including the Philippines’ row with China in the South China Sea, the much-criticized human rights situation in the country, and the plight of overseas Filipino workers.
