By Alec Go
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to leave for New York on Sunday, Sept. 18, to join in the opening of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where he is set to participate in the high-level general debates.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Kira Danganan-Azucena said Marcos’ speaking slot for the debates with the theme “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges” is expected on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 3:15 p.m. (New York time).
“We can expect the President’s statement to identify these challenges and the solutions to address them, the role of the United Nations, and how the Philippines intends to contribute to these efforts,” she said in a pre-departure briefing on Thursday.
“The President’s statement will also articulate his administration’s priorities which include climate change, the rule of law, and food security,” she added.
Marcos will meet some of the 152 heads of state and government participating in the high-level debate along with other UN officials.
This is Marcos’ first UN attendance and the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the debates are held in-person. Former President Rodrigo Duterte attended the two previous debates virtually.
“The President’s participation in the opening of UNGA’s 77 is important because it marks his first engagement with the United Nations which the Philippines recognizes as the world’s most important multilateral organization,” Azucena said.
“In the UN’s programme of activities, the high-level general debate is the most important event politically because this is where world leaders articulate policy statements on world affairs and international relations,” she added.
The President will be joined by cabinet secretaries, undersecretaries, and support staff from government agencies.
Economic engagements
Foreign Affairs Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga said Marcos will be attending an economic briefing during his New York trip in a bid to bring institutional investors, senior corporate executives, business analysts, and academic think tanks, and entrepreneurs into the country.
“This briefing will be an opportunity to outline the key economic priorities of his administration, with a special focus on how we can hopefully expand and strengthen Philippine-US trade and investment relations during his term,” he said.
“The economic managers will also speak to some of the macroeconomic and sectoral issues that might be of interest to potential US investors and partners,” he continued, adding that Philippine private sector leaders are also expected to participate.
After this, roundtable talks with targeted sectors to present the country as an emerging economy and as an investment spot in Asia, as well as to ensure a quick post-pandemic economic recovery.
The Chief Executive also seeks to meet with American companies to support the Philippines’ food security, energy security, and sustainable economic development efforts, as well as with the US Chamber of Commerce, the US-ASEAN Business Council, and the US-Philippine Society.
“He will be able to have wide-ranging and candid discussions with political, business, and community leaders on raising the profile of the Philippines in the United States, contributing to the President’s economic agenda and strengthening Philippines-US political, economic, and cultural ties,” Gonzaga said. – gb
