NEW YORK 11 October 2018 – The Philippines underlined that the Philippines stands in firm solidarity with the Group of 77 in emphasizing the intricate nexus between peace and security and sustainable development, and the need to address poverty eradication in all its forms and dimensions.
At the same time, the Philippines unveiled its socio-economic priorities for the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 (G77) and China at the UN Headquarters in New York on 27 September 2018.
During the meeting, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo underscored that President Rodrigo Duterte’s Socio-Economic Agenda centers on achieving peace, social progress and sustainable development, with no Filipino left behind.
The Undersecretary laid down the country’s priorities for the 73rd UNGA, particularly international cooperation to ensure the safe, orderly and regular migration involving full respect for human rights and the humane treatment of migrants, regardless of their migration status, as well as of refugees and displaced persons.
Undersecretary Manalo also identified priorities such as increased investment in and involvement of the youth; stronger political commitment to end persistent health challenges such as tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases, malaria and HIV/AIDs; and support for the deliberative discussions on mental health and universal health coverage.
He also pointed to active and sustained advocacy for the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in the area of climate change and resilience, and urged that discussions on disaster-risk reduction should be elevated to the highest levels across the UN system.
The Undersecretary further stressed that strengthened South-South and Triangular Cooperation as a strategy to promote collective self-reliance and the promotion of a culture of peace, intercultural and interfaith dialogue, and cooperation are vital concerns for Philippines.
The G77 and China, the largest grouping of developing countries in the UN, remains the country’s strategic partner in advancing Philippines positions on various issues such as migration, middle-income countries, disaster risk reduction, financial inclusion, remittances, Sustainable Development Goals, and human rights in the UN.
During the meeting, the Ministers adopted the G77 and China Ministerial Declaration, and welcomed the State of Palestine as the incoming Chair of the Group for 2019 from the Asia Pacific Group.
The Group of 77 is an intergovernmental organization which aims to promote its member’s collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues within the United Nations.
