As the Philippines moves closer to achieving upper middle-income status, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) underscores the pivotal role of innovation, sustainable financing, and strategic governance in ensuring a successful and inclusive transition. These priorities also pave the way for deeper collaboration between the Philippines and the United Nations.
These themes took center stage at the Philippines-United Nations (UN) Dialogue 2025, held on Wednesday, March 5, in Manila. The event provided a platform for exchanging insights and strategic directions to enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). Now in its second year of implementation, the UNSDCF aims to align more closely with the Philippines’ national development goals.
“This dialogue is not merely a high-level discussion; it is a clarion call to action,” said NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. “It is about reshaping our collaboration to ensure that the country’s transition is impactful, equitable, and sustainable.”
The discussions highlighted the alignment between the UNSDCF 2024-2028 and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, both of which support the long-term vision of AmBisyon Natin 2040—a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life for all Filipinos.
Balisacan stressed the importance of fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem to drive economic and social transformation. Central to this effort is the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) 2023-2032, which outlines the country’s vision, priorities, and strategies for promoting innovation.
He also emphasized the need for increased investment in research, development, and capacity-building to strengthen the country’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) workforce. Collaboration between academia, the private sector, and the government remains a key challenge, as does the slow adoption of emerging technologies. Addressing these issues, Balisacan noted, will require targeted policies, stronger public-private partnerships, and enhanced funding.
While reaching upper middle-income status is a milestone, Balisacan warned that it must go beyond crossing an economic threshold. “This transition is about achieving progress that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” he said.
The dialogue, themed “Driving Transitions for Impact, Scale, and Synergy,” underscored the importance of partnerships in navigating key transitions. The event brought together notable leaders, including newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, to reaffirm their shared commitment to sustainable development.
