PH seeks bigger role in global peace, bids for UN Security Council seat

Alfredo Tolentino

The Philippines is determined to assume a greater responsibility in advancing peace and security worldwide as it pursues a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2027-2028.

In a speech at the High-Level General Debate of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro declared that the Philippines is fully committed to advancing global justice, equality, peace, and progress as a member of the Security Council.

“This is a challenge that the Philippines is ready to rise up to, as we seek a non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028. We look ahead to the solemn honor of serving this body,” Lazaro added.

Lazaro recognized the heavy responsibility carried by the UNSC and views it as a powerful force for change and hope when it acts in the interest of humanity.

She emphasized that the country aims to join the body to contribute to advancing global peace, drawing on its own hard-earned experience in promoting peace.

Lazaro cited the country’s peace-building efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as proof that inclusive and sustained dialogue can transform communities.

“(The) success story (of BARMM) tells us that peace-building, though sometimes arduous and long, endows communities (with) their rightful future,” she said.

The foreign affairs chief further stressed the need to uphold international law and a rules-based global order.

She reaffirmed Manila’s adherence to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.

“There is no alternative to the United Nations. There is no good global order other than one based on international law and the principle of the sovereign equality of states,” she said.

She added that despite continued harassment of Philippine vessels and fisherfolk in the country’s waters, the government remains committed to diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution.

“While our government vessels and fisherfolk continue to be harassed in our own waters, and as we remain on the receiving end of illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous actions in the South China Sea, we abide by the UNCLOS as reinforced by the binding 2016 Arbitral Award. We are committed to diplomacy and other peaceful means to settle disputes,” Lazaro said.

The secretary also highlighted the rising influence of developing and middle-income countries in shaping global development solutions amid funding shortfalls.

She called for reforms in global institutions to ensure they deliver value to all UN member states with less bureaucracy and fragmentation, and urged developed nations to fulfill their financial obligations.

“Even as we manage our share of economic vulnerabilities within our borders, developing nations are assuming greater responsibility as agents of transformative and inclusive cooperation,” she said.