MANILA – The Philippines affirmed its support for the Pact for the Future, along with its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, calling it a “triumph of the persistence of multilateralism” and ensuring that a better world is possible with the solidarity of nations.
At the Summit of the Future in New York, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo welcomed the UN Pact, saying that it “can guide the UN in delivering meaningful outcomes for peace and security, for human rights, for fairness and equality, for resilience from crises and disasters, and for empowering individuals and all communities in the world.”
“The Pact binds us in words and in action, bridging the collective hopes of the past with our contemporary aspirations, with the UN Charter anchoring our will,” Manalo said in his speech delivered on Monday, 23 September (Manila time).
(Photo courtesy of @SecManalo X account)
Manalo also emphasized the importance of the rule of law as it is the “touchstone” for all international efforts to resolve disputes, resolve conflicts, protect human rights and enhance global governance.
“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,” Manalo stated.
“Respect for the rule of law safeguards global peace and security and enables the international community to confront complex current and future challenges together,” Manalo added.
Preserving a rules-based international order is a collective duty, Manalo further stated.
He also said that the Pact is a “call to action” for multilateralism that puts people at the center with the aim of protecting populations from “terrorism, organized crime, health emergencies, sea level rise and other consequences of global warming as well as foster a new international and inter-generational solidarity on the role of women, youth, migrants, persons with disabilities, older persons and indigenous peoples, in shaping more humane, equal and just societies.”
Manalo also highlighted how the Pact “also brings new vigor to our unfinished business of eliminating nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, and propels our endeavors to establish norms to prevent an arms race in space, govern lethal autonomous weapons, and address risks of emerging technologies to international peace and security.”
“As a founding Member of the UN and the first Asian Republic, the Philippines shall always be, a voice for peace, equity and justice, human rights and human dignity, the rule of law and constructive multilateralism,” Manalo said.
The Philippines welcomes the compelling guidance that our Pact brings to the United Nations, and the uncompromising clarity that it sets forth to serve the good of the human race, he added.
