Sky Cartaño 

The Philippines has vowed to participate in the fulfillment of addressing issues in the United Nations’ Pact for the Future, with world leaders during the Summit of the Future in New York City held on September 23. 

Photo Courtesy of Reuters.

The 61- page UN pact focuses on sustainable development and financing, international peace and security, innovation, youth, and transforming global governance.

According to the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Philemon Yang, the pact has a foundation that  builds a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order for all nations and peoples. 

In relation to the cooperation of the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary  Enrique Manalo made a statement at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly. 

He stated “the pact of the future is a testament that global problems require global solutions, and that a better world is possible when states commit working together towards a common vision”. 

He also expressed his commitment in the continuous determination of the Philippines to “promote understanding among states” and to “seek the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflicts”. 

Amidst rising  tensions in the West Philippine Sea with China,  he also highlighted the commitment to promote the primacy of the rule of law.

Prior to the 79th session,  an ambassadorial-level meeting for the first revision of the pact (REV1) was held on May 28, 2024. 

In the conference, ambassador of the Philippines to the UN Antonio Lagdameo pointed out the pact positively resonates with the national interests of the Philippines and it is responsive to global challenges. 

It also aims to address the support for the alleviation of climate change and for the commitment to attain net zero emissions by 2050 by removing fossil fuels. 

With the goal of alleviating climate change, Greenpeace International, an independent global campaigning network, suggests that leaders must unveil phase out dates for coil, oil, and gas. 

UN Secretary Antonio Guterres stated in the general assembly that the pact “must garner political will and commitment across all levels of global leadership.” 

Countries involved, including Malaysia urged an advocacy to encourage diverse and innovative solutions on climate financing.