The Philippines signed a total of four agreements on climate action with Hungary, Panama, Maldives, and Togo and established political consultations for strengthening relations during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.
PH signs 4 deals on climate action, political consultation at UNGA
DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro keynotes the Philippines' high-level meeting on Loss and Damage at the UN General Assembly in New York. (Photo from Sec. Lazaro via X post)
The DFA chief released her arrival statement on Tuesday, September 30, after a week-long participation in high-level meetings at the UN Headquarters in New York.
“The Philippines signed agreements with Hungary, Panama, Maldives, and Togo, to strengthen relations, including on climate action and through the establishment of political consultations,” she said as part of the accomplishments there.
“Through these engagements, the Philippines demonstrated that it remains a credible, constructive, and principled voice in shaping global solutions. Under the guidance of President Marcos Jr., we carried the message of a Philippines committed to peace, justice, sustainable development, and the well-being of all peoples,” she added.
According to her statement, she held a total of 35 bilateral meetings with counterparts from all regions of the world to build partnerships in health, environment, renewable energy, and security.
She also advanced the Philippines’ candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the term 2027–2028.
Lazaro said she also delivered the country’s national statement during the general debate, addressed the UN Security Council on Artificial Intelligence and International Peace and Security, and deposited the Philippines’ ratification instrument for the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction or the BBNJ Agreement.
“I co-chaired the Foreign Ministerial Meeting on Maritime Security and had productive discussions among like-minded states on strengthening international cooperation towards a secure and stable maritime domain,” she added.
During the series of events, Lazaro also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the UN Charter and multilateralism.
“We return home, strengthened by new and continuing partnerships, with a resolve to ensure that our work in multilateral forums such as the United Nations translates into concrete benefits for the Filipino people,” she said.