PH calls on nations for multilateral action to resolve disputes

Metro Manila, Philippines— The Philippines has called for nations to work together to address pressing global challenges such as peace and security, climate change, and human rights.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the United Nations “Summit of the Future” in New York, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo Manalo said upholding a rules-based international order is a “collective duty.“Multilateralism, with the UN at the center, flourishes on the grounds of a rules-based order that provides conditions for trust, solidarity, equity, and peace. Respect for the rule of law safeguards global peace and security and enables the international community to confront complex current and future challenges together,” said Manalo.At the summit, world leaders adopted a “Pact for the Future,” which includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. The pact addresses a wide range of issues, including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender equality, youth engagement, and the transformation of global governance.“It is important that this pact renews our collective determination to defuse tensions and seek the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflicts,” Manalo said.“This is the essence of the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Resolution of Disputes. In pledging to the pact, states abide by the obligation of rejecting force and the threat of use of force to settle disputes,” he added.Manalo is leading the Philippine delegation to the 79th UN General Assembly (UNGA)> He will push the country’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. The assembly, scheduled from Sept. 22-29, gathers global leaders to discuss key international issues.In addition to his speech at the General Debate, where he will present the Philippine position on major global concerns, Manalo will hold bilateral meetings with senior officials and foreign ministers. He is also set to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN General Assembly President Philémon Yang to strengthen cooperation.