PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called for a stronger global cooperation to address climate change and to enhance the food security of each nation by boosting the agricultural productivity.
Marcos made the call during his speech at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 (New York Time).
Marcos is the first Philippine leader in over the past eight years to physically attend the UNGA.
He opened his speech by reaffirming the country’s commitment to the ideals of the UN, which is reflected in the solid contributions to the cause of peace and of justice.
“By reinforcing the predictability and stability of international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, we provided an example of how states should resolve their differences: through reason and through right,” said Marcos.
“These two contributions provide useful guidance for our time. For amidst the challenging global tides, an important ballast stabilizes our common vessel. That is, our open, inclusive, and rules-based international order that is governed by international law and informed by the principles of equity and of justice. As I have underscored, the Philippines shall continue to be a friend to all, and an enemy of none,” he added.
Marcos described climate change as “the greatest threat” of the world that affects mostly the least responsible. He said addressing it requires a united effort.
He said the Philippines is a net carbon sink as it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits.
The Philippines is the fourth most vulnerable country to the effects of climate change.
“This injustice must be corrected, and those who need to do more must act now. We accept our share of responsibility and will continue to do our part to avert this collective disaster,” said Marcos.
He called on the industrialized countries to immediately fulfill their obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement to cut their greenhouse gas emissions, provide climate financing and technology transfer for adaptation for the most vulnerable and developing countries to lead by example.
Marcos also raised the need to invest in food security to ease a growing global food security crisis amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.
“We need to take concrete steps towards a modern and resilient agriculture. Food is not just a trade commodity nor a livelihood. It is an existential imperative and a moral one. It is the very basis of human security,” he said.
In the Philippines, Marcos said the government is providing innovative solutions and financial support to farmers and fisherfolk to adapt new technologies and connect to national and global value supply chains.
Marcos said the Philippines looks forward to forging cooperation with the UN and its key partners to boost agricultural productivity and food security.
Racism
Amid the commission of race-based crimes, particularly against Asian, Marcos called for the elimination of hate crimes, as he pledged to accelerate the implementation of a human rights joint programme with the United Nations.
The joint programme seeks to affirm the country’s commitment to human rights, the importance of free democratic space for civil society, as well as the principle of international cooperation.
“We still dream of an end to the disturbing incidents of racism, of Asian hate, of all prejudice,” he said.
UN Security Council Bid
Marcos asked for the support of the UN member states to support the Philippines’ candidature to the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028, citing the success of the peace initiatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“The peace that we have forged after many decades of conflict among warring factions and clansmen demonstrates that unity is possible even in the most trying circumstances,” he said.
A credible and solid foundation for self-government, Marcos said, was a result of inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, including women, youth, faith leaders, and civil society.
He said the Philippines takes the same approach in Asia, noting the partnerships built for peace and development through dialogue, including through inter-faith and inter-religious dialogue, especially through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
“In the face of great diversity, we believe that partnerships form the bridge to unite all of us in promoting peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region,” he said.
Marcos also raised the need to create a reformed and more inclusive security council and an empowered general assembly that can hold the council to account.
He cited the importance of equipping nations, especially developing countries, with the tools needed to “navigate the uncharted waters of this century. (SunStar Philippines)