Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo highlighted the importance of rule of law and multilateral cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region during a discussion with Raisina Young Fellows on Tuesday, March 18.
DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo addresses the Raisina Young Fellows participants from over 40 countries in New Delhi, India. (Photo from Sec. Manalo via X post)
The “dynamic and insightful dialogue,” which is part of the Raisina Dialogue’s youth engagement initiative, happened on the sidelines of the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi, India, a statement from the DFA said.
In his opening remarks, Manalo underscored the importance of the rule of law in addressing global challenges.
“He highlighted key issues including the evolving geopolitical landscape, multilateralism, South-South cooperation, climate change, and the central role of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in tackling regional issues,” the DFA said.
Additionally, the DFA chief also reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment in ensuring a rules-based international order is in place.
To “resolve urgent global problems” and “transcendent challenges,” Manalo likewise pointed to the need for multilateral cooperation, as well as “inclusive dialogue, cooperation, and innovative solutions.”
He identified challenges such as “climate change, transformative technologies, persistent inequalities, and rising strategic competition” as global issues.
He also took the opportunity to share with the young fellows about the Philippines “firm stance” in the South China Sea disputes with China.
Manalo said the Philippines remains committed to upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which established a legal framework for all maritime activities, including the use of the ocean’s vast resources.
“He acknowledged India’s important role in the region and expressed gratitude for India’s strong support of the 2016 Arbitral Award,” the DFA statement read, referring to the arbitral tribunal victory that invalidated the basis of China’s nine-dash line claim in the contested region.
Despite recent verbal spats with Beijing, the DFA stressed that Manila is committed to “a diplomatic and peaceful resolution” as long as it would not be at the expense of Philippine sovereign rights and national interests.
Hosted by the Observer Research Forum (ORF) of India and the Ministry of External Affairs of India, the Raisina Dialogue discusses some of the world’s “most pressing” geopolitical and geoeconomic issues.
Manalo is scheduled to attend the dialogue until Wednesday, March 19.