Jakarta, Indonesia
September 7, 2023

“The Philippines reiterates its steadfast commitment to a rules-based international order. We call on the members of the international community to respect and uphold the principles of international law to address the challenges to peace, stability, and security,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated during his intervention at the 13th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – United Nations (UN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Speaking before UN Secretary-General António Guterres and fellow ASEAN Leaders, the President noted that the ASEAN has consistently upheld the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, serving as a beacon in addressing common issues and concerns within the ASEAN Community.

“The Philippines reiterates its call on the international community to adhere to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and a rule-based international order,” he said.

In other areas of cooperation, President Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to the UN for its assistance in building disaster and climate-resilient communities. He assured the UN of the Philippines’ commitment to implement the ASEAN-UN Joint Strategic Plan of Action on Disaster Management for 2021-2025.

He also expressed his optimism that the ASEAN-UN partnership will deepen under ‘Our Common Agenda’, which serves as the UN’s new roadmap and social contract for global cooperation over the next 25 years.

“While ASEAN provides insights into regional dynamics and challenges, the UN has the global reach and expertise in various other fields. By continuing to work together, our organizations are able to leverage our strengths and expertise to achieve common goals,” the Chief Executive stated.

“ASEAN and the UN may explore cooperation in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, which aims to contribute to the region and globally through attaining the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs,” he proposed.

President Marcos Jr. also thanked the ASEAN for supporting the Philippines in its candidature for membership of the Security Council for 2027 to 2028.

“The Philippines would be honored to serve once again in this important capacity as we advocate the core interest and priorities of the ASEAN and our peoples before the United Nations through the Security Council,” he affirmed.

“Rest assured, Secretary-General Guterres, that the Philippines, as a Founding Member of both the United Nations and ASEAN, remains strongly committed to the determination that we will ‘leave no one behind’,” the Chief Executive concluded in his message.

*****