Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today advocated for a “development agenda that leaves no one behind,” underscoring the enduring and vital partnership between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations (UN).
Speaking at the 15th ASEAN-UN Summit—held during the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur—President Marcos emphasized the need for enhanced coordination to advance inclusive and sustainable progress across both bodies.
President Marcos asserted that the true measure of the partnership lies “not only in words, but in the progress we secure for our peoples.” He called on ASEAN and the UN to rally behind an agenda that “upholds dignity for all.”
Achieving this aspiration, the President noted, requires bold and innovative approaches, extending beyond enhanced coordination. He specifically cited the need for leveraging digital public infrastructure, the ethical application of artificial intelligence, and green technologies to drive development.
The President also highlighted the close coordination between ASEAN and the UN in key areas, including peacebuilding, peacekeeping efforts (with the Philippines being a steadfast contributor since the 1960s), and disaster preparedness and response. He cited the timely emergency responses to recent major disasters like Typhoon Yagi and the Myanmar earthquake.
The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. In this context, President Marcos sought to garner support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
“As a trusted partner, pathfinder, and committed peacemaker, the Philippines thanks our ASEAN colleagues for their steadfast endorsement,” the President said. “If elected, the Philippines will continue to uphold the primacy of the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes in the maintenance of international peace and security.”
President Marcos also underscored the Philippines’ commitment to protecting the marine environment through its recent ratification of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). This action solidifies the nation’s adherence to the rules-based order governed by international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The President noted the agreement’s specific importance given the Philippines’ proximity to wide swathes of high seas. Critically, President Marcos stated: “On this note, we will seek to apply the Agreement to the pockets of the high seas in the South China Sea,” a position confirmed by the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
The President affirmed that the ASEAN–UN Comprehensive Partnership remains a vital platform for advancing multilateralism. The Philippines remains dedicated to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and called on ASEAN to fully harness its partnership with the UN to accelerate meaningful progress.
President Marcos concluded by expressing anticipation for the implementation of the ASEAN-UN Plan of Action (2026–2030), which will further strengthen their collaborative efforts.
