President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is expected to discuss his administration's priorities such as climate change, the rule of law, and food security at the High-Level General Debate of the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 20, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
DFA Assistant Secretary for the Office of the United Nations and International Organizations Kira Azucena said this days ahead of the President's scheduled trip to New York for the UNGA on September 18.
In a pre-departure press briefing, Azucena said Marcos would deliver the Philippine national statement at the High-Level General Debate. His speaking slot is approximately 3:15 p.m. on September 20 (New York time).
The theme of this year's General Debate is: "A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges." The UN said among these challenges are the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, humanitarian challenges of unprecedented nature, a tipping point in climate change, and threats to the global economy.
"It is, therefore, necessary to find and focus on joint solutions to these crises and build a more sustainable and resilient world for all and for the generations to come," the UN said.
According to Azucena, Marcos will enumerate solutions to address these interlocking challenges, the role of the United Nations, and how the Philippines intends to contribute to these efforts.
The President's statement will also articulate his administration's priorities, including climate change, the rule of law, and food security, she said.
Around 152 other heads of state and government will participate in the High-Level General Debate.
"The President will take this opportunity to meet with some of them during his stay in New York. He will also meet with some key United Nations officials," Azucena said.
According to the DFA official, Marcos' participation in the opening of UNGA77 is important as it marks his first engagement with the United Nations, which the Philippines recognizes as the world's most important multilateral organization.
The High-Level General Debate is deemed as the most important part of the UNGA, politically, because this is where world leaders articulate policy statements on world affairs and international relations.
Aside from speaking at the UNGA, Marcos is also expected to push for the country's economic recovery and meet business leaders in New York.