Manila experienced in building peace, forging consensus

Citing the Philippines’ rich experience in peace-building, consensus, and cooperation, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has asked foreign diplomats to support the country’s bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council two years from now.

He made the appeal during the New Year vin d’honneur he and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos hosted in Malacanang’s Ceremonial Hall on Saturday evening.

In his remarks before members of ambassadors of 54 nations and heads of international organizations, the President made a pitch for the Philippines’ quest to secure a seat in the UN Security Council for the 2027 to 2028 term.

“I take this opportunity anew to convey to your respective governments our earnest request for your support to our UN Security Council bid, and we hope for your support when the time comes that we are indeed sitting as a member of the Security Council,” Marcos said.

The President pointed out that the country is in “a very strong position to take on more leadership roles that seek to advocate on consequential issues in the global agenda” with its “long history and a credible record of multilateral diplomacy.”

He said the Philippines’ candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council “stands on our rich experience in building peace, forging consensus and finding new pacts for cooperation.”

The Chief Executive cited the Philippines’ “unfaltering” deployment of over 14,000 Filipino troops to 21 UN peacekeeping operations and special political missions across the world.

“Our candidature is consistent with our long-held view that we need to further strengthen multilateralism efforts that will reform the Security Council and revitalize the General Assembly,” he said.

Marcos added that the country’s independent foreign policy allowed it to “function and flourish in the complex realm of interactions with various international actors.”

“Our foreign policy has always been to encourage peace and to foster cooperation, while also ensuring that international law is faithfully complied with and permeates all facets of relations amongst nations, for it is only through a rules-based international order that peace and development can be achieved,” he said.

The Philippines has been campaigning to secure one of 10 non-permanent seats in the UN Security Council which is tasked to maintain international peace and security.

In his speech during the 77th UN General Assembly in New York in 2022, Marcos sought the body’s support for the country’s bid for the UN Security Council, citing the “success” of peace efforts in the Bangsamoro region.

In January last year, the President thanked Vietnam for its “confirmed support” for the Philippines’ candidature in the UN Security Council.

Securing a seat in the UN Security Council – which is composed of five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members – is important for the Philippines as it will be able to engage in important dialogues and issues in maintaining the rule of law, peace, and stability.

The Philippines last assumed a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council in the 2004 to 2005 term.

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