YouSaid · the spoken record

Albert del Rosario

lines on the record: 79
first: 2012-09-24
most recent: 2015-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Secondly, as we reaffirm our faith in the wisdom of the United Nations founding Members, we renew our commitment to ending the scourge of war, uphold justice and human rights and maintain international peace and security. Thirdly, as we all pursue the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, let the United Nations continue to serve as the institutional platform, the historical foundation and the moral edifice upon which we manifest humanity’s collective dreams, ideals and aspirations.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Romulo, who was just then elected President of the General Assembly, said that the goal of the United Nations “defined by its Charter, was to make it possible for men to live better lives in larger freedom under a reign of peace founded on justice and universal respect for law” (220th plenary meeting, para. 19). Those words now bear greater resonance. Today, I have the honour and privilege of leading the Philippine delegation, and on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino III and the Filipino people, please allow me to convey these solid commitments of the Philippines. First, as we prepare the way for our future generations the Philippines will continue to advocate for three key priorities and these would be: eradicating poverty; preventing conflict; and promoting the rule of law.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The Philippines will support calls for continuing the conversations on the much-needed 15-29822 7/29 A/70/PV.26 02/10/2015 and long-overdue reforms to make the Security Council more democratic, more inclusive, more transparent and more accountable. These reforms include urging the Council to provide the General Assembly a plural number of candidates, especially women, for appointment to the post of Secretary-General, with due regard to regional rotation and gender equality. Together with other developing countries, the Philippines shares the position that a sufficient budget is important for the Organization to deliver on its mandates and missions more effectively and with greater accountability. In conclusion, at the fourth session of the General Assembly on 20 September 1949, the late great Philippine statesman, General Carlos P.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Guided by the policy recommendations of the Philippine National Council for United Nations Peace Operations, we will continue to engage with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations in the deployment of Filipino peacekeepers and support the recommendations of the United Nations High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations to improve the safety and security of our peacekeepers. At this seventieth session of the General Assembly, the argument for United Nations reform is now more urgent than ever. The Philippines will continue to push for meaningful discussions on enhancing the role and authority of the General Assembly, as well as on proposals to rationalize the agenda of the Assembly and its main committees.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The Philippines will also continue to play an active role on the issue of human trafficking, either as a main or co-sponsor of resolutions that recognize the heightened vulnerability to trafficking of women and girls in humanitarian crisis situations and other emergency environments. The Philippines will work with other Governments to intensify efforts for the speedy disposition of trafficking cases and strengthening of anti-trafficking mechanisms. Since 1963, the Philippines has been a consistent troop contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations. We are committed to and have answered the call of the United Nations for the deployment of female peacekeepers. I am pleased to announce that there are now 15 Filipino women out of the 161 Filipino peacekeepers in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In the negotiations on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Philippines emphasized and will continue to highlight the positive contributions of migrants to sustainable development in countries of origin, transit and destination. We deeply appreciate the United Nations recognition of the Philippines as a model of migration governance because of its comprehensiveness in terms of managed deployment, solid protection, diaspora engagement and reintegration. Both the United Nations and the Philippines believe that migration governance is really about giving migrants a human face. The basic perspective of the Philippine migration management policy focuses on two important considerations: first, migration must be a shared international responsibility; and secondly, migrants’ human rights must be fully respected in all circumstances.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The Philippines will continue on its path towards successfully implementing the women and peace and security agenda by highlighting at this session the important contributions of women in peace negotiations and peacebuilding, and their roles in shaping the narratives of peace. We will maintain our active role in calling for the continued implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Beijing Platform for Action and the Sustainable Development Goals on women, particularly Goal 5 on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Taken together, these instruments are powerful mechanisms for realizing national and international commitments to advancing women’s roles as enablers of sustainable development.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We reiterate the need for the balanced and immediate implementation of the 64-point action plan adopted at the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which was chaired by the Philippines, particularly for the establishment of a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction. We also look forward to the signing and ratification of the Protocol to the South-East Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone by the five nuclear-weapon States. On conventional weapons, the Philippines will help sustain the positive momentum created by the Arms Trade Treaty’s progress and continue to engage in discussions on small arms and light weapons and improvised explosive devices, particularly as used by armed non-State actors.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“As we reaffirmed when ASEAN met with the Secretary-General last Wednesday here in New York, we are confident of the United Nations continued support for ASEAN centrality and its pillars. Disarmament and non-proliferation have become more compelling issues for the Philippines, given that 10 per cent of our population live and work overseas, many in hot spots in the Middle East and Africa. The Philippines remains firm on its position in favour of the total and complete elimination of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction. We will continue to voice our concerns over the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“APEC also complements global efforts to address challenges to sustainable economic growth through the APEC Strategy for Strengthening Quality Growth, which promotes synergy between APEC’s work and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With respect to ASEAN, the 10 member States will be integrating their economies by the end of this year, realizing the vision of one ASEAN community. We need to ensure that ASEAN and its member States, partners and secretariat remain fully engaged in the 6/29 15-29822 02/10/2015 A/70/PV.26 United Nations system. Indeed, the partnership between ASEAN and the United Nations has been beneficial to regional peace and stability.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“This year, the Philippines plays host to APEC 2015 under the theme: “Building inclusive economies, building a better world”. As APEC Chair for the second time since 1996, the Philippines seeks to mainstream and pursue the following priorities: investing in human capital development; fostering small and medium enterprises’ participation in regional and global markets; building sustainable and resilient communities; and enhancing the regional economic integration agenda. APEC, both as a process and a platform, continues to positively contribute to the region’s economic environment by promoting legal certainty for trade and investment.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Without it, the global order could fall into anarchy. That is why the Philippines, under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III, has been a strong advocate of the primacy of the rule of law. With the growing support of the international community in peacefully resolving disputes in the South China Sea, including through arbitration, the Philippines believes that the final outcome of this arbitration process would pave the way for a settlement of the maritime disputes. On our dispute with China, a long-time partner and neighbour, we also hope that we will finally see actions that are consistent with Beijing’s declarations so that genuine efforts to lower tensions in the South China Sea can succeed and the peaceful settlement of disputes can be obtained.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“That responsibility, however, should be shared with local Government, the private sector and other stakeholders. We will support initiatives in the United Nations that will allow us to work on the four priorities of understanding disaster risk, strengthening risk governance to manage disaster risk, investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience, and building back better. On maritime disputes in the South China Sea, the Philippines has long placed its faith in the rules and institutions that the international community has created to regulate relations among States. International law serves as the great equalizer among States, allowing small countries to stand on an equal footing with wealthier, more powerful States. International law is the tie that binds the community of nations together.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The Philippines is the current President of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and will promote a meaningful outcome at the twenty- first session of the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris. The international community must adopt a new, legally binding climate agreement that is universal and equitable, that ensures a bright and low-carbon future for the next generation, and that addresses the needs of vulnerable States and sectors, particularly the poor, women, migrants and indigenous peoples. On disaster risk reduction and management, the Philippines will be guided by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which recognizes that the State has the primary role in disaster risk reduction and management.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the overall global development architecture need to emphasize strengthening the pillar of resilience. The Philippines knows only too well the urgency of building a climate-resilient economy, being one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world and having experienced, almost two years ago, the devastating impact of super-typhoon Haiyan, the strongest typhoon to have made landfall in recorded history. Given the new normal of mega disasters, the Philippines will continue to play an active role in tackling the issues of climate change, resiliency and disaster risk reduction and management.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“15-29822 5/29 A/70/PV.26 02/10/2015 Two years ago in this very forum (see A/68/PV.22), the Philippines outlined the five pillars that form part of the building blocks for the new framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as follows: first, poverty reduction and social inclusion; secondly, environment sustainability, climate change and disaster risk management; thirdly, accountable, responsive and participatory governance; fourthly, a fair and stable order based on the rule of law; and fifthly, peace and security. During the process of intergovernmental negotiations for the 2030 Agenda, these pillars have guided the Philippines in sharing its experiences in pursuing inclusive growth, on some lessons learned in governance and on the continuing development and security challenges that we face as an emerging economy.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“With all the successes and challenges, praises and pitfalls, the United Nations has not only demonstrated its resilience, but has also affirmed its continuing relevance against the backdrop of complex global issues and emerging regional threats to peace and security. ape Today, the Philippines renews its steadfast commitment to the cause of peace and sustainable development through key priority areas and national positions ranging from climate change and the rule of law, memberships in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), disarmament and non-proliferation to women, peace and security, migration and human trafficking, peacekeeping and United Nations reform.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In 1945 when the United Nations Charter was signed in San Francisco, the 51 founding Members, including the Philippines, envisaged a future of enduring peace, shared prosperity and a new era of collaboration. Seventy years later, we have created a meeting place of the world, an experiment in world governance, and a venue where the universal values of equality, tolerance and human dignity prevail. The United Nations has become a major forum of nations that guarantees the dignity and worth of every person. It has evolved as the main platform of opportunities to fight ignorance, disease, poverty, injustice and extremism.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“On behalf of the Philippine Government, I express our warmest congratulations to the President on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventieth session. I assure him of the Philippines’ support of his leadership in charting the course for an energized United Nations about to embark this historic year on an ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1), our plan of action for our people, planet and prosperity over the next 15 years. Let me also commend the President for choosing a theme that echoes the fundamental elements that led to the creation of the United Nations. This theme is also at the core of Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III’s social contract with the Filipino people.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“When conflicts and insecurity endure, when disasters strike, when pandemics break out, when terrorism spreads and when the Earth’s bounties are confronted with depletion, we face the real danger that our development agenda will fail. It is our responsibility, therefore, as States Members of the United Nations, to exert every effort and expend every resource at our command to make the United Nations the instrument for promoting peace, progress and development.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Reforms should include a better selection process for the Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly and executive heads of the United Nations; an increase in the membership of the Security Council; a review of the use of the veto power in the Security Council; an increased budget for peacekeeping missions; and ways to make full and effective use of partnerships across the range of United Nations activities. For example, if we were to elect a woman to be the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, that would be a powerful signal on gender equality and empowerment. As we set the stage to roll out a new set of goals for the post-2015 development agenda, let us not lose track of the equal importance of an enabling political and social environment to support the goals.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“As we discuss and negotiate the best ways to deliver and implement the post-2015 development agenda, we should take concrete action on the proposed United Nations reforms that have been the subject of years of discussions and dialogues. The Philippines supports change and reform in the United Nations to strengthen its ability to meet new demands and deliver its mandate in the most effective, transparent, accountable and efficient manner.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“For such an important task, all countries — whether receiving, transit or sending — must be fully involved. We are also alarmed that migrants, particularly women and children, continue to be victims of trafficking. National and international efforts to prevent trafficking, prosecute traffickers and assist in the recovery and rehabilitation of victims must be strengthened. From a broader perspective, we should fully respect the rights of migrants by according them equal treatment in all countries. The Philippines will continue to support efforts to protect the basic rights of migrants, recognize their contributions to development and secure for them a place in the inclusive societies that we envision in the post-2015 development agenda.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We believe that outstanding operational and tactical issues relating to United Nations peacekeeping must be resolved at the highest levels as soon as possible. The Philippines reiterates its solid commitment to upholding multilateral peacekeeping, collective security and the rule of law. When we speak of inclusive development, we must take into full account the invaluable contributions that migrant workers make to global development and progress. Their well-being is a shared responsibility and part of the international community’s commitment to promoting inclusive societies. Those migrants are especially vulnerable in times of conflict and should not be forgotten. They deserve the complete support and cooperation of the international community in ensuring their safety, security and well-being.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Let me take this opportunity to thank our partners in the international community for their invaluable assistance in recent incidents involving our Philippine peacekeepers, specifically in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights. Our collective action has highlighted the importance that the international community continues to accord to United Nations peacekeeping. In the face of grave danger, Filipino peacekeepers have bravely helped to safeguard world peace. They have served with honour, distinction and professionalism in implementing peacekeeping mandates. We are deeply concerned about the continuing and emerging dangers faced by all United Nations peacekeepers, and urge the United Nations and all fellow Member States to ensure that those dangers are addressed comprehensively.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The Philippines strongly supports the ongoing discourse on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons that has been gaining ground within and outside the United Nations. We will continue to lend our voice to calls for nuclear disarmament until we have reached the goal of global zero. The Philippines also deplores the use of landmines and improvised explosive devices and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, which, unfortunately, still continue around the world. United Nations peacekeeping missions are crucial to international peace and security. The Philippines, through its continuous participation in peacekeeping missions, has shown its steadfast commitment to contributing to that worthy cause.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We enjoin all to be united in addressing the challenge of resolving this issue in accordance with the rule of law. On disarmament, the Philippines is deeply concerned about the threat of weapons of mass destruction, from the Middle East to the Korean peninsula. The Philippines has remained firm in its position on the total and complete elimination of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. The Philippines strongly believes that the conference on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction should be convened as soon as possible. The Six-Party Talks on the Korean peninsula should restart. We need a successful outcome to the 2015 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to ensure the credibility of the Treaty.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“For the intermediate approach to managing tensions until a final resolution is achieved, the triple action plan highlights the need for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration and the expeditious conclusion of a code of conduct. As a final approach, the triple action plan underscores the need for a settlement mechanism to bring the disputes to a final and enduring resolution anchored in international law. The Philippines is pursuing such a resolution through arbitration and believes that the arbitration decision will clarify maritime entitlements and will pave the way for the full resolution of the maritime disputes in the South China Sea. Those approaches under the triple action plan can be pursued simultaneously, and they do not prejudice territorial claims.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“It is a positive, comprehensive and constructive framework that brings together various initiatives that the Philippines and other countries have been advocating on the issue of the South China Sea for several years. As an immediate approach, the triple action plan calls for the cessation of specific activities that escalate tensions in the region, pursuant to paragraph 5 of the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Paragraph 5 calls for, first, self-restraint; secondly, no inhabitation of uninhabited features, including massive reclamation; and thirdly, the handling of differences in a constructive manner.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Arbitration is an open, friendly and durable mechanism for the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes. Arbitration, in defining maritime entitlements, is intended to benefit all. Therefore, the Philippines is more determined than ever in its pursuit of all possible means under international law to keep the conflict from escalating and undermining regional peace, security, and stability. At the 47th meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of ASEAN, in Nay Pyi Taw, the Philippines proposed the triple action plan to reduce tensions. Our triple action plan proposal contains immediate, intermediate and final approaches to address the provocative and destabilizing activities in the South China Sea.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Those unilateral activities, among others, form part of a pattern of forcing a change in the maritime status quo in order to advance a so-called nine-dash line position, an expansive claim of indisputable sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, which is in contravention of both the 2002 China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the UNCLOS. The Philippines supports the Secretary- General’s call for States parties to clearly define and publicize the limits of their respective maritime zones so that parties will have greater certainty concerning their maritime spaces. UNCLOS provides a viable mechanism for resolving conflicts, inter alia through arbitration.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“In 2012, after forcibly occupying the tiny rocks of Scarborough Shoal, within 126 nautical miles of the Philippine island of Luzon, the aforementioned State refused to abide by a mutual agreement to de-escalate tensions by not withdrawing its vessels from the said rocks. Earlier this year, said State imposed a unilateral moratorium on fishing in some areas of the South China Sea that infringes on the legitimate sovereign rights of the Philippines and other coastal States to their exclusive economic zones. In the past two years, it has undertaken massive land reclamation activities in Johnson Reef, Mckennan Reef, Hughes Reef, Cuarteron Reef and Gaven Reef in the Spratly Islands.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“However, it has refused to join us and has continued to unilaterally embark on an expansionist claim that violates the legitimate rights of the Philippines and other littoral neighbours under UNCLOS, such as their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves. Instead of peacefully resolving the maritime disputes within the framework of UNCLOS, the said State has embarked on a series of dangerous, reckless and forceful activities in an attempt to impose unilateral change in the maritime status quo of the South China Sea. Those unilateral activities escalated the tensions and threatened peace and stability in the South China Sea.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We are grateful to the United Nations and the international community for their role in supporting us through the long and challenging journey of this peace process. As we herald these achievements of peace at home, however, we face the reality of exacerbating tensions in our regional seas. Again, the Philippines has resorted to the rule of law in trying to resolve these tensions. The Philippines believes that the core instrument for resolving maritime disputes is the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We have invited a State party to settle our maritime disputes peacefully through UNCLOS, including its provisions on dispute settlement, specifically arbitration under annex VII to the Convention.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Development efforts are jeopardized by setbacks brought about by threats to peace, security and the rule of law. We must ensure that conflicts do not undermine any development agenda that we pursue. We must rededicate ourselves to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and relevant international conventions and agreements to resolve all conflicts peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law. In this spirit, I am pleased to share the Philippine experience in building peace in the southern Philippines. With the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, we are optimistic that peace dividends in the form of investments, jobs, economic opportunities, access to basic services and infrastructure will finally redound to the benefit of our Muslim brothers and sisters.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The Philippines condemns the war crimes and crimes against humanity being perpetrated by ISIS. We support Security Council resolution 2178 (2014) on foreign terrorist fighters, adopted on 24 September, because we believe that resolute and immediate action is necessary to suppress that group. As a responsible member of the international community, the Philippines will do its part in the global efforts to thwart ISIS and its false ideologies. On the Ebola virus disease outbreak, the Philippines recognizes its threat to global health and its impact on development. Based on our capacity, we will support the international community’s efforts in arresting the spread of this scourge through the auspices of the World Health Organization.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We are resolute in not only building back, but building back better. Once again, let me reiterate the Filipino people’s gratitude for the outpouring of assistance from the international community for the victims and survivors of Haiyan. Its response and solidarity were indeed timely, overwhelming and inspiring. At this time, we look forward to the forthcoming Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, and to the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey, during which we hope to share the lessons we have learned from Haiyan. Just as the international community mobilized as one in extending help to the Philippines in the aftermath of Haiyan, it should also do so in the case of two present-day scourges: the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) and the Ebola virus disease outbreak.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“All our current national efforts are founded on these pillars. The greatest challenge to the Philippines in meeting the Millennium Development Goals has been the series of disasters that have visited our country. Super-typhoon Haiyan, the strongest typhoon to have hit landfall in recorded history, had a significant impact on the modest progress we had achieved towards the Millennium Development Goals. This and the disasters in other parts of the world remind us of the urgent need to address climate change. Two months ago, we completed a comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery plan for the Haiyan-affected areas. The comprehensive plan requires a considerable amount of resources and effort, but the Philippines and its international partners are determined to see this massive rebuilding and rehabilitation plan to full completion.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The Philippines’ scorecard shows that we have made considerable progress in the areas of extreme poverty eradication, under age 5 mortality, the fight against both malaria and tuberculosis, access to safe drinking water, and gender equality. Like many other developing nations, however, we continue to face challenges in other areas. We have recently taken pause to consider new strategies. We have also realized the importance of strengthening good-quality data collection and analysis as a tool for measuring our Millennium Development Goals and to aid our decision-making. A year ago, before this very same Assembly, the Philippines called for a post-2015 development agenda anchored in respect and promotion of human rights, accountable governance and inclusive development (see A/68/PV.22).”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We all vowed to undertake a mission to fight poverty and disease; grant children of school age access to primary education; improve gender equality, care for mothers and children; provide our communities with safe drinking water; protect our environment from further degradation; and mobilize international partnerships and resources to help those in great need. Today, based on the latest report on the Millennium Development Goals, our collective efforts have reduced by half the number of people living in extreme poverty, provided over 2 billion people with access to safe drinking water, and achieved success in the fight against malaria and tuberculosis. But, with one year to go, much remains to be done.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“I would like to address the following issues, which are consistent with both the President’s Social Contract and the United Nations post-2015 development agenda: progress on the Millennium Development Goals; climate change and disaster-risk reduction and management; the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham; the Ebola virus disease outbreak; peace, security and the rule of law; disarmament, peacekeeping, migration, the protection of women and children; and the call for United Nations reforms. Fourteen years ago, a shared vision of a decent and secure life for all our peoples motivated us to adopt the Millennium Development Goals.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“On behalf of the Philippine Government, we offer our warmest congratulations to Mr. Kutesa on his election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth session. I assure him of the Philippines’ steadfast support as he provides the leadership and inspiration in the daunting task of continuing the pursuit of a transformative and inclusive post-2015 development agenda. In choosing the theme for his presidency, he has positioned people at the centre of this development agenda. This people-centred agenda is also at the core of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Social Contract with the Filipino People, which is underpinned by a regime of good governance.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“It will mark the beginning of a new era of sustainable development, one, it is hoped, that gives every individual on this planet a better chance at a better quality of life. That may sound ambitious; it may even sound daunting. Yet, this is an historic time and historic times call for acts of great ambition. Our national hero, Mr. José Rizal, also recognized the importance of ambition and ideals. He wrote that “it is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted on the field without becoming a part of any edifice”. Let the post-2015 development agenda be the edifice upon which we will manifest the collective dreams and ideals of humankind.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In terms of disaster management, my Government has instituted a cluster model that mobilizes both Government and non-governmental entities at the local and national levels, as well as international partners. The United Nations has recognized this model as a best practice that other countries could emulate. We will continue to share our knowledge and experience in disaster- risk reduction, preparedness, response and recovery to help other States better manage similar occurrences. In 2015, we will also actively participate in the World Humanitarian Summit and in the review of the Hyogo Framework for Action, our blueprint for disaster risk reduction cooperation. The year 2015 marks an important juncture in the history of nations.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“This commitment is demonstrated in its continued participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions, particularly in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the occupied Golan where, despite the dangers, our peacekeepers have stood their ground. Their courage to stay and hold the line at the most critical time led to the continued fulfilment of UNDOF’s mandate as charged by the Security Council. The post-2015 development agenda also demands that Governments address the devastating effects of climate change and natural disasters. My country is among those at highest risk from typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We remain steadfastly committed to achieving just and lasting peace that will be inclusive for all. Furthermore, in accordance with the application of the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes, the Philippines, as a State party to the Chemical Weapons Convention and a staunch advocate of disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, also welcomes Syria’s accession to the Treaty. The Philippines hopes that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will effectively assist the Syrian Government in disposing of its chemical weapons stockpiles. The Philippine Government’s commitment to peace is resolute.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“As declared by the General Assembly in its resolution 37/10, on the peaceful settlement of international disputes, otherwise known as the 1982 Manila Declaration, recourse to the judicial settlement of legal disputes should not be considered an unfriendly act between States. On the contrary, it is a measure that generates clarity, benefiting all stakeholders. In this spirit, my country reaffirms its unwavering support for the International Court of Justice and the various specialized tribunals, such as the dispute settlement mechanisms of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Philippines has also relentlessly and tirelessly pursued the peace process in the southern Philippines. The signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was a milestone in this regard.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Migration influences each country’s socioeconomic growth, human capital and involvement in global affairs. Managing migration through policies that uphold the dignity of the individual should therefore be a vital component in the development agenda of each nation and of the world. Achieving sustainable development requires an enabling environment of peace, security and the rule of law. It is to this end that my Government’s approach in managing conflicts within and outside its borders is anchored in international law. As such, we avail ourselves of the various means for the peaceful settlement of disputes, including mediation and arbitration, in accordance with Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In several instances, we have repatriated Filipino workers to get them out of harm’s way. Our experience has been instructive and enriching, as it has opened for us new windows of cooperation with our bilateral partners, as well as with the United Nations, the International Organization for Migration and other international organizations. My Government wants to focus international discussion on the plight of these migrants, with a view to forging creative platforms on which States — whether countries of origin, transit or destination — can cooperate to better address this complex issue. The Philippines hopes that the High-level Dialogue will reaffirm that migration is an indispensable element in the global sustainable development agenda.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“It is a cross-cutting issue relevant to our efforts to promote human rights, reduce poverty and foster sustainable development. The Philippines, for its part, will continue to advocate the protection of the rights of migrants, regardless of migration status; the recognition of migrants’ positive contribution to development in the sending and receiving countries alike; and the creation of programmes that support families, especially the children who are left behind. Our national experience of these issues will be my Government’s contribution to the discussion in the forthcoming High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development later this week. In addition, we hope to include in the discussion the plight of migrants who find themselves in conflict areas — a situation that my Government has had to address in recent years.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)