New york: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has underscored the Philippines' enduring partnership with the United Nations (UN) as a strategic advantage in its quest for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC). On the last day of his working visit to New York, Marcos articulated the nation's strong historical ties with the UN, dating back to its inception in 1945.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos emphasized that the Philippines' track record of collaboration with the UN has been robust, involving active participation in peacekeeping missions and advocacy for critical global issues such as women's rights, climate change, and social development. This history of cooperation, he suggested, positions the Philippines favorably in its bid for the UNSC seat.
Marcos further highlighted the strategic opportunity for the Philippines to amplify its contributions on the global stage, particularly for developing and middle-income countries in the Indo-Pacific region. The bid for the UNSC seat for the 2027-2028 term is seen as a platform for the Philippines to serve as a representative voice for these nations.
Despite the competitive challenge from Kyrgyzstan, Marcos expressed optimism about the Philippines' candidacy, citing support from several UN member states. He acknowledged the difficulty in gauging success due to the secret ballot nature of the election but remained hopeful that diplomatic engagements would translate into votes.
Marcos also conveyed the significance of a successful bid, stating it would enhance the Philippines' influence in international discussions regarding peace, security, and development, equating the nation's voice to those of the permanent members of the Security Council.